England’s head rugby coach, Steve Borthwick, has opted to exclude Ollie Lawrence and Elliot Daly from the 25-man central contract list as he refines his squad ahead of the Rugby World Cup in Australia next year. This decision marks a shift in strategy, especially considering Lawrence’s standout performance in England’s win against New Zealand. Despite their participation in the Six Nations, neither Lawrence nor Daly took part in England’s trio of summer Tests.
New faces have emerged in the squad, with Northampton’s Alex Coles and Sale’s Asher Opoku-Fordjour among those receiving contracts. Seb Atkinson, Guy Pepper, and Jack van Poortvliet also join the list after being left out last year. Daly’s versatility had previously earned him praise from Borthwick, making his absence noteworthy. Still, he remains a candidate for the broader World Cup squad, which will consist of 33 players.
The exclusion of Lawrence and Daly intensifies the competition for places in England’s midfield and back-three. Atkinson is now a strong contender for the inside-centre position, while Opoku-Fordjour enhances his appeal with his capability to play on both sides of the scrum. Meanwhile, experienced players like Courtney Lawes and Benhard van Rensburg, who is originally from South Africa, have also been passed over. Lawes continues to be available for selection after his return to England, and van Rensburg made his international debut over the summer.
England’s central contracts, valued at approximately £150,000 per season, allow for greater management of player preparation. Borthwick’s latest choices provide a glimpse into the core group he envisions for his World Cup plans. As the countdown to the tournament progresses, these selections highlight the evolving dynamics within the team, with newer talents stepping up to compete for coveted spots in the national lineup.
