Last October, England handed out 17 enhanced Elite Player Squad (EPS) contracts as part of the shiny new Professional Game Partnership deal.
Competition: Get a Chance to Watch the Lions in Australia
It gave head coach Steve Borthwick more control than ever, including the final word on all sports science and medical matters.
Among the big winners were George Ford, Marcus Smith and Fin Smith – all three fly-halves receiving upgraded deals ahead of the autumn internationals.
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But fast forward six months, and not all those golden ticket holders are sitting pretty. We take a look at three players who could be on the chopping block ahead of the next round of central contract decisions.
#1. Henry Slade – The Class Act Losing His Place
Slade’s silky style has long made him a favourite with fans – but his Six Nations was anything but smooth. Once pencilled in as a midfield maestro, he now finds himself completely out of Borthwick’s 23.
His combination with Ollie Lawrence never quite clicked, and although there were flickers of promise, it wasn't enough to convince the coaches. Slade was ultimately cast aside in favour of Fraser Dingwall, and now his England future – and his central contract – looks seriously uncertain.
Possible replacement: Fraser Dingwall
The mid-Six Nations switch that saw him take Slade's place has given Dingwall a solid opportunity to make a real push for a long-term role in the squad. A gritty and intelligent player, he’s an ideal fit in the centre and could continue his rise with consistent performances.
#2. Theo Dan – The Rise and Fall
Dan looked to be the hooker-in-waiting not long ago, but with Luke Cowan-Dickie back in the mix and firing, the Saracen has tumbled down the pecking order.
He managed just a single appearance in the 2025 Six Nations, coming off the bench late against Ireland when the game was already slipping away.
He gave it his all and made his presence felt in the collisions, but the timing didn’t allow for a real impact.
With Jamie George still first choice and LCD surging back, Dan might be sweating over that central contract renewal.
Possible replacement: Luke Cowan-Dickie
With the England hooker pool still fairly tight, LCD’s return to form after a spell on the sidelines could see him leapfrog others back into the starting role. His set-piece mastery and work rate up front could be enough to secure him a spot, especially with competition thinning out.
#3. George Ford – Still Magic, But Marginalised
Here’s the big one. Ford, the experienced general with nearly a century of caps, has found himself on the fringes thanks to Fin Smith’s electric rise.
He only got a sliver of game time during the Championship – a brief stint against Wales – but what a cameo it was.
Two assists and a masterclass in game management. Classic Ford: overlooked, underrated, but undeniably brilliant.
With both Smiths tipped for Lions duty this summer, Ford will have a golden window to remind everyone – including Borthwick – why he still deserves that England contract.
Possible replacement: Jack van Poortvliet (this would even up the squad with two scrum-halves and two fly-halves)
A real option for the future at scrum-half, van Poortvliet could offer Borthwick the ideal balance in the half-back department. With the potential for two fly-halves and two scrum-halves in the squad, van Poortvliet's dynamism and composure could provide the extra spark needed to even things out.
QUIZ: Can you name the 2013 British & Irish Lions squad?
12 years have passed since Warren Gatland’s men roared to a famous series win over Australia, but how well do you really remember the iconic 2013 British & Irish Lions squad?
From legendary leaders to surprise selections, we’ve lined up every player from that unforgettable tour. All you have to do is name them. No pressure, right?
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Take the quiz below and prove your rugby brain still bites.
? Scroll down and get cracking – how many can you get without cheating?
