In a bold move to refine England’s rugby squad ahead of the 2024 Rugby World Cup in Australia, head coach Steve Borthwick has omitted Ollie Lawrence and Elliot Daly from the 25-man central contract list. This decision marks a significant shift in strategy, especially concerning Lawrence, who had previously shone in England’s triumph over New Zealand. Although both players participated in the Six Nations, they did not feature in the recent summer Tests, signaling a change in Borthwick’s plans for the team.
New faces have emerged in the squad, with Northampton forward Alex Coles and Sale prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour among the latest additions. Joining them are Seb Atkinson, Guy Pepper, and Jack van Poortvliet, who have secured contracts after being overlooked in the previous year. The inclusion of these players highlights a strategic focus on strengthening England’s lineup as the World Cup approaches.
Elliot Daly’s exclusion is particularly noteworthy, given his adaptability on the field and the head coach’s earlier commendations of the 33-year-old’s capabilities. Despite not being on the central contract list, Daly remains a potential candidate for the broader World Cup squad, which will comprise 33 players. This leaves the competition for positions in England’s midfield and back-three increasingly fierce, with Atkinson emerging as a strong contender for the inside-centre role, while Opoku-Fordjour’s dual-sided scrum proficiency adds depth to the team.
Notably absent from the contract list are Courtney Lawes and South African-born centre Benhard van Rensburg. Lawes, however, is still eligible for selection following his return to England, and van Rensburg, who made his international debut during the summer, remains in the pool of talent that Borthwick can draw upon. These decisions underscore the evolving dynamics within the team as the World Cup looms.
Central contracts in England’s rugby scene are highly valued, offering not only greater control over player preparation but also financial incentives worth approximately £150,000 per season. Borthwick’s recent selections provide a preliminary glimpse into the athletes he considers pivotal to England’s World Cup ambitions, as the team prepares to showcase its best on the international stage.