England’s head coach, Steve Borthwick, has excluded Ollie Lawrence and Elliot Daly from the 25-man central contract list as he continues to refine his squad ahead of the 2024 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Despite both players having participated in the Six Nations, they were not part of England’s three summer Tests. Lawrence, in particular, was instrumental in England’s past victory against New Zealand, making his omission a noteworthy shift in Borthwick’s strategic plans.
In a move that signals a shift in focus, newcomers such as Northampton forward Alex Coles and Sale prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour have been added to the roster. Seb Atkinson, Guy Pepper, and Jack van Poortvliet have also secured contracts, having been left out the previous year. Daly’s exclusion is significant given his adaptability and the praise he has received from Borthwick in the past. However, he still remains a potential candidate for the larger World Cup squad, which will consist of 33 players.
The decisions made by Borthwick heighten the competition in England’s midfield and back-three positions. Atkinson has emerged as a strong candidate for the inside-centre role, and Opoku-Fordjour’s ability to play on both sides of the scrum adds valuable flexibility. The absence of seasoned players like Courtney Lawes and South African-born centre Benhard van Rensburg adds further intrigue; both remain eligible for selection, with Lawes having recently returned to England and van Rensburg making his international debut during the summer tests.
England’s central contracts, valued at approximately £150,000 annually, offer enhanced oversight over players’ preparation. Borthwick’s updated selections provide insight into the players he currently sees as integral to his World Cup strategy. As the tournament approaches, these decisions will likely shape the dynamics of the team and determine who ultimately represents England on the global stage.