England Player Breaks Silence on Squad Tensions Over Massive Pay Gap

The Saracens captain is one of 17 players enjoying a plush £160,000 annual contract through the Elite Player Squad.

These lucrative contracts were agreed upon in a deal between the Rugby Football Union and Gallagher Premiership clubs, but there’s a catch—Borthwick has the final say on all things medical and sports science for these players.

For those without the golden ticket, a basic match fee of £23,000 is up for grabs, depending on whether they make Borthwick’s team. Itoje stresses that even the big earners aren’t guaranteed a spot; if they don’t perform, those contracts could vanish faster than a pint on a match day!

As England gears up for Saturday’s autumn opener against New Zealand, players like Ben Spencer, Will Stuart, and Chandler Cunningham-South will hit the field without the enhanced contracts. Seven others find themselves in the same boat as substitutes.

Itoje insists it’s all good vibes within the squad: “Steve has set the tone. His job is to pick the best 23 or 15 to represent England, contract or not.”

He adds, “The goal is to earn a contract, but these things are fluid. Just because you’re in this season doesn’t mean you’re safe next season.”

Mitchell’s gradual recovery continues, with Saints and fans alike keeping fingers crossed for a smooth return, whenever that may be.

While fan-favorite fly-halves George Ford, Marcus Smith, and Fin Smith secured their places, a few seasoned veterans and rising stars were unexpectedly left off the list.

Here's a breakdown of the big names left in the cold:

Known for his larger-than-life personality and notorious social media presence, Harlequins prop Joe Marler has been a stalwart in England’s front row for over a decade. Marler's experience and resilience have made him a fan favorite, but he finds himself off the initial elite contract roster. Many believed his scrummaging expertise would secure him a spot, especially given the lack of tighthead props in the group. Is Borthwick looking toward the next generation of props? Time will tell.

Leicester's iconic tighthead Dan Cole, who boasts over 100 caps for England, also misses out. Cole's scrummaging dominance is well-documented, and he’s a household name in English rugby circles. His exclusion raises eyebrows, as he’s been a vital presence in England’s set-piece. Perhaps the 36-year-old veteran’s omission signals an intent to groom younger props for the future.

Bath’s powerhouse back-rower Sam Underhill is another standout name left off the list. Renowned for his bone-crunching tackles and defensive work, Underhill’s omission has been met with surprise. His impact in England’s 2019 World Cup run was immense, and he’s still at the peak of his game, so his absence could indicate a shifting focus toward bolstering England’s attacking options.

It’s no exaggeration to say that Leicester full-back Freddie Steward has redefined England’s No. 15 jersey in recent years. His high-ball skills and tactical awareness have made him one of the most reliable figures in the England backline. Steward’s absence is perhaps the most puzzling of all, with fans wondering if this means a reshuffle in the back-three hierarchy.

A utility player in every sense, Saracens’ Elliot Daly has been a jack-of-all-trades for England, filling roles from full-back to wing to center. Known for his exceptional kicking range and pace, Daly has been a staple of the English backline for years. It seems Borthwick may be seeking more specialized players in his new elite squad, but leaving out someone as versatile as Daly might come back to haunt him.

Harlequins' up-and-coming prop Fin Baxter has shown flashes of brilliance and looked like he could be part of the next generation of England’s front-row giants. At just 20 years old, his non-selection could indicate a longer-term development plan, or perhaps Borthwick wants to see more consistency from the young loosehead before committing to an elite contract.

London Irish’s explosive back-rower Chandler Cunningham-South is another omission to note. With his impressive physicality and skills in both offense and defense, many expected him to be part of Borthwick’s elite vision for England rugby’s future. His absence leaves fans wondering about the selection criteria for these groundbreaking contracts.

Test your knowledge and see if you can name the top 20 players who hold the record for the most international caps for England. Get ready to dive into England rugby history—let's see if you have what it takes to remember the legends who’ve played the most matches!

Caps are correct on 31st October 2024.