Borthwick names 25 players to receive enhanced contracts

England head coach Steve Borthwick has named the 25 players who will receive enhanced Elite Player Squad contracts for the 2026/27 season, providing a clear indication of the core group he intends to build around ahead of another crucial year of international rugby.

The contracts form part of the Men's Professional Game Partnership and are designed to support the preparation, development and long-term planning of the England team.

The 25 players have been selected from the wider 50-player England EPS squad, with a blend of established internationals, returning stars and emerging talent making the cut.

There is considerable experience within the group, with the likes of Maro Itoje, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Tom Curry, George Ford and Ben Earl all included.

Itoje, who has established himself as one of England's key leaders, remains central to Borthwick's plans, while Saracens team-mate Earl continues to underline his importance with his performances at both club and international level.

Sale Sharks provide another significant contribution, with Luke Cowan-Dickie, Curry, Ford and Asher Opoku-Fordjour all receiving enhanced contracts.

Northampton Saints are particularly well represented. Alex Coles, Tommy Freeman, Alex Mitchell, Henry Pollock and Fin Smith are all included, alongside Jack van Poortvliet of Leicester Tigers.

The selection also highlights England's desire to continue developing a new generation of internationals.

Pollock has emerged as one of the most exciting young forwards in English rugby, while Guy Pepper, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Asher Opoku-Fordjour represent further evidence of the talent coming through the system.

Pepper's inclusion is particularly notable after the flanker made his move to Bath, while Feyi-Waboso remains an important part of England's plans after establishing himself as a dangerous attacking presence.

The backline also contains considerable competition for places.

Marcus Smith and Fin Smith are both included, giving Borthwick two of England's leading young fly-half options, while Ford provides additional experience at No.10.

Tommy Freeman and George Furbank offer further attacking options, with Henry Slade included among the midfield and back-three candidates.

The forward pack is similarly packed with established names and emerging players. Alongside Genge, George, Itoje and Curry, Borthwick has selected Fin Baxter, Ollie Chessum, Joe Heyes, George Martin and Will Stuart.

The 25-man list does not necessarily guarantee selection for England's matchday squads, but it does underline which players have been identified for enhanced support during the 2026/27 campaign.

With the wider EPS group containing 50 players, competition for places is likely to remain fierce.

Borthwick will now look to build on this core group as England continue preparations for the challenges ahead, with the combination of experienced leaders and promising young talent giving the head coach plenty of options to work with.

For some players, the enhanced contracts represent recognition of their established status within the England set-up. For others, they offer an opportunity to take another significant step towards becoming permanent fixtures at international level.

The message from Borthwick is clear: England's next chapter will be built around a mixture of proven performers and emerging talent, with every position likely to remain fiercely contested.