'Brutal snub' - Five players Steve Borthwick snubbed with England central contracts

These contracts form part of the Men’s Professional Game Partnership (MPGP), designed to ensure England’s top players receive optimal preparation and support.

The 25 players chosen come from a wider 50-man EPS pool, marking a significant increase from last season’s 18 enhanced contracts.

“I am pleased to name the players who will receive an enhanced EPS contract this season,” said Borthwick. “These contracts, together with our strong relationship with the Premiership clubs, will continue to play an important role in the ongoing development of England Rugby.”

However, the list also reveals some harsh snubs, with five notable players missing out despite recent England involvement and strong performances.

The only player to lose his central contract from last season, Saracens hooker Theo Dan has faced fierce competition behind England’s front-row stalwarts. Once seen as a promising prospect, Dan’s exclusion signals a need to regain form and prominence at club level if he hopes to return to the international fold.

A veteran and former England captain, Owen Farrell remains a key figure in English rugby. After re-signing with Saracens, Farrell made his return to international rugby last month with the Lions, proving he still has plenty to offer.

However, his omission from the enhanced EPS contracts suggests that while his experience is valued, Borthwick is cautious about committing to Farrell as a long-term fixture amid the rise of younger playmakers. Farrell continues to be a vital leader and kicker at club level.

Cunningham-South has steadily risen through the ranks, earning 20 England matchday squad appearances and showing strong versatility between lock and back row.

After impressing during this summer’s Tests, many expected his inclusion to help guide his positional development. Instead, Borthwick has surprisingly left him out, raising questions about the path forward for this emerging talent.

One of England’s brightest young scrum-halves, Van Poortvliet impressed during his early international outings and Premiership performances before a series of injuries impacted his development..

At just 24, his omission indicates Borthwick wants him to prove he can stay fit for an extended period before awarding a central contract, preferring to keep options open in a position with growing competition.

Atkinson has made a name for himself with dynamic performances and relentless work rate at club level. His absence from the enhanced EPS list demonstrates the fierce competition for international contracts, suggesting that consistency and further development will be key to breaking into Borthwick’s core squad.