England’s head coach Steve Borthwick has made significant changes to the national rugby squad by excluding Ollie Lawrence and Elliot Daly from the 25-man central contract list as preparations for the Rugby World Cup in Australia next year continue. Despite having participated in the Six Nations, both players were absent from England’s summer Test matches. Lawrence’s exclusion is particularly notable, given his past standout performance against New Zealand. Meanwhile, Daly, known for his versatility, still remains a contender for the final World Cup squad, which will feature 33 players.
The latest squad adjustments see Northampton forward Alex Coles and Sale prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour among the new faces in the central contract list. This restructuring also opens opportunities for other players who missed out on previous selections, such as Seb Atkinson, Guy Pepper, and Jack van Poortvliet, who have now secured contracts. Atkinson is emerging as a strong candidate for the inside-centre position, while Opoku-Fordjour’s dual capability on both sides of the scrum enhances his appeal.
Notably absent alongside Lawrence and Daly are seasoned players like Courtney Lawes and Benhard van Rensburg, the latter of whom made his international debut during the summer. Although Lawes has returned to England and remains available for selection, his non-inclusion in the central contract list marks a shift in Borthwick’s strategy. Van Rensburg, the South African-born centre, has similarly been left out.
England’s central contracts, which are valued at approximately £150,000 per season, offer the team more control over player preparation. The current selections provide a glimpse into Borthwick’s vision for the World Cup squad, highlighting the competitive nature of England’s midfield and back-three positions. As England moves forward with these adjustments, the players closest to securing a spot in next year’s World Cup are becoming clearer.