England Rugby: Steve Borthwick names 25-man enhanced contract squad ahead of Rugby World Cup

The England head coach has confirmed the 25 players who will receive enhanced player contracts for the 2026-27 season, with each deal understood to be worth around £150,000.

Five players have been handed enhanced contracts for the first time, with Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Alex Coles, Guy Pepper, Jack van Poortvliet and Seb Atkinson all earning a place in Borthwick’s latest group.

Ben Curry, Elliot Daly, Ollie Lawrence and Tom Roebuck have all missed out on enhanced contracts, while Tom Willis is no longer eligible for England selection after agreeing a move to France.

Curry and Daly have both spent significant periods on the sidelines through injury over the past year, while Lawrence and Roebuck have seen their involvement with England reduced after previously establishing themselves as regular members of Borthwick’s side.

Willis was included among the enhanced contract players last year after breaking into the England set-up at the beginning of 2025. However, he has not featured for his country since agreeing a move to Bordeaux ahead of next season.

How England’s enhanced contracts work

The enhanced contracts were introduced in 2024 as part of the Professional Game Partnership between the Rugby Football Union and Premiership clubs.

The agreement gives Borthwick greater control over the medical and conditioning programmes of the contracted players, while those selected receive a fixed annual payment from the RFU rather than relying solely on match fees.

The agreement gives Borthwick greater control over the medical and conditioning pro

It is understood non-centrally contracted players currently receive around £21,000 per England appearance, while players on enhanced contracts receive an additional £7,000 per game through image rights on top of their annual payment.

The RFU says the contracts “help ensure the best possible preparation for the England Men’s team”.

However, the system has not been without controversy, with England and Exeter previously involved in a disagreement over the management of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s shoulder injury during the 2024-25 season.

England preparing for crucial year

The latest contracts come at an important stage of Borthwick’s tenure, with the 2027 Rugby World Cup now just over a year away.

England enjoyed a strong run of results during 2025 but struggled during this year’s Six Nations, winning just one of their matches.

Borthwick’s side responded during the summer, however, winning two of their three Nations Championship fixtures in July.

Their next major challenge comes in November when England host Australia, Japan and New Zealand as the inaugural Nations Championship continues in the northern hemisphere.

The autumn fixtures will give Borthwick another opportunity to assess his squad and determine which players are likely to form part of his plans for the World Cup.

Full list of England men’s enhanced player contracts

Seb Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby)
Fin Baxter (Harlequins)
Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers)
Alex Coles (Northampton Saints)
Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks)
Tom Curry (Sale Sharks)
Ben Earl (Saracens)
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs)
George Ford (Sale Sharks)
Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints)
George Furbank (Harlequins)
Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears)
Jamie George (Saracens)
Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers)
Maro Itoje (Saracens)
George Martin (Saracens)
Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints)
Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale Sharks)
Guy Pepper (Bath Rugby)
Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints)
Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)
Fin Smith (Northampton Saints)
Marcus Smith (Harlequins)
Will Stuart (Bath Rugby)
Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers)

England Rugby enhanced contracts FAQs

Who has received an enhanced England contract for the first time?
Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Alex Coles, Guy Pepper, Jack van Poortvliet and Seb Atkinson have all been included in the enhanced contract group for the first time.

How many players have enhanced England contracts?
Steve Borthwick has selected 25 players for enhanced contracts for the 2026-27 season.

Why has Tom Willis lost his England contract?
Willis is no longer eligible for England selection after agreeing to join French club Bordeaux for the 2026-27 season.

When is the next Rugby World Cup?
The 2027 Rugby World Cup will be held in Australia, with England now just over a year away from the tournament.

Who will England play in the November Nations Championship?
England will host Australia, Japan and New Zealand during the northern hemisphere leg of the inaugural Nations Championship.