England boss Steve Borthwick has named the 25 players who will receive enhanced central contracts for the 2026-27 season, just over a year before the Rugby World Cup. These deals are valued at approximately £150,000.
Prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour, lock Alex Coles, flanker Guy Pepper, scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet, and centre Seb Atkinson have all been awarded an elite contract for the first time. This shake-up comes as Borthwick prepares his squad.
Conversely, flanker Ben Curry, versatile back Elliot Daly, centre Ollie Lawrence, and wing Tom Roebuck did not receive contracts. Tom Willis, a number eight, is no longer eligible for England selection after agreeing to a move to Bordeaux.
The enhanced contracts, introduced in 2024, are part of the Professional Game Partnership between the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Premiership clubs. This system gives Borthwick authority over medical and conditioning matters for the contracted players, who receive a fixed annual amount from the RFU.