In a strategic move ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia, England’s head coach Steve Borthwick has excluded Ollie Lawrence and Elliot Daly from the 25-man central contract roster. Despite both players participating in the Six Nations, they were not part of England’s three summer Tests. This decision marks a shift in Borthwick’s strategy, especially concerning Lawrence, who had previously garnered attention with his performance in England’s win over New Zealand.
New faces such as Northampton forward Alex Coles and Sale prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour have been introduced to the squad. Other players like Seb Atkinson, Guy Pepper, and Jack van Poortvliet have also secured contracts after not making the cut last year. Daly’s exclusion is particularly surprising given his adaptability on the field and Borthwick’s earlier commendations of the 33-year-old player. Nonetheless, Daly remains in the running for a spot in the broader World Cup roster, which will ultimately comprise 33 players.
The selection decisions have intensified competition for England’s midfield and back-three positions. Atkinson is now emerging as a strong contender for the inside-centre role, while Opoku-Fordjour’s dual capability on either side of the scrum enhances his appeal to the selectors. Other notable omissions include Courtney Lawes and South African-born centre Benhard van Rensburg. Although Lawes still has the opportunity to be called up, van Rensburg, who debuted internationally in the summer, has not been selected this time.
Central contracts for England’s squad are valued at approximately £150,000 per season, providing the coaching staff with increased oversight of the players’ training and preparation. Borthwick’s latest selections offer a glimpse into the team dynamics he is favoring as the World Cup approaches. These decisions not only reflect his current strategic preferences but also suggest which players are most aligned with his vision for England’s upcoming campaign.