Five England stars who could retire after the 2027 Rugby World Cup

Steve Borthwick is already shaping his squad with Australia firmly in mind, with England’s latest batch of enhanced contracts offering another indication of the players currently central to his plans.

There is still plenty of rugby to be played before the tournament kicks off next year, but several members of England’s experienced core will be well into their 30s by the time the World Cup comes around.

For some, Australia could provide the perfect stage for one final shot at the Webb Ellis Cup.

Here are five England stars who could call time on their careers — or at least their international careers — following the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Henry Slade remains very much in Steve Borthwick’s thinking after retaining his enhanced England contract for the 2026/27 season.

The Exeter Chiefs centre has been a fixture around the international set-up for more than a decade and, despite increased competition for places, continues to offer England valuable experience.

Slade will be 34 during the World Cup and Australia could potentially be his fourth appearance at the tournament after featuring in 2015, 2019 and 2023.

With younger midfield options continuing to emerge, including Seb Atkinson, 2027 could provide a natural finishing point for Slade's Test career.

That does not necessarily mean he would retire from rugby altogether, but it would be little surprise if England began a more significant changing of the guard after the tournament.

Elliot Daly faces a battle just to make it to another World Cup.

The British & Irish Lion was one of five players to lose his enhanced England contract ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, although that does not necessarily mean his international career is over.

Daly's versatility has always been one of his greatest strengths, with the Saracens man capable of operating at centre, wing or full-back.

However, he will be 35 during the 2027 tournament and England now have considerable competition across the backline.

Should Daly force his way into Borthwick's final squad, it would almost certainly represent his last opportunity to play at a Rugby World Cup.

It feels remarkable that George Ford could potentially head to Australia for a fourth Rugby World Cup.

The experienced Sale Sharks fly-half remains a significant part of Borthwick's plans and was included among England's 25 enhanced contracts for the 2026/27 season.

However, the competition at number 10 is fierce.

Fin Smith and Marcus Smith are both considerably younger and could form the backbone of England's fly-half options for years to come.

Ford will be 34 by the time the World Cup arrives and, having already represented England at the 2015, 2019 and 2023 tournaments, Australia could prove the perfect place to bring down the curtain on a remarkable international career.

Whether he would also retire from club rugby remains another question entirely.

This would be quite the story.

Courtney Lawes initially retired from international rugby following England's third-place finish at the 2023 World Cup, seemingly bringing an outstanding 105-cap Test career to an end.

But the former Northampton Saints captain has since changed his mind.

After agreeing to return to the PREM with Sale Sharks for the 2026/27 season, Lawes officially made himself available for England selection again.

"I'm officially un-retiring from international duty and I'd love to play for England again," Lawes said when announcing his Sale move.

The veteran forward will be 38 during the World Cup and has openly admitted that Australia is in his sights.

Lawes was not handed one of Borthwick's 25 enhanced contracts for 2026/27, so forcing his way back into the England squad will be far from straightforward.

But if he manages it, there could hardly be a more fitting way to finish.

A second international retirement after one final World Cup? You wouldn't bet against it.

Unlike the other names on this list, we already know Jamie George's career is approaching its conclusion.

The former England captain confirmed in January that he will retire from professional rugby in 2027 after signing one final contract with Saracens.

George has spent his entire professional career with the north London club and has made more than 300 appearances for the Premiership giants.

He has also become one of England's most decorated hookers, passing 100 Test appearances and captaining his country.

George said when announcing his decision: "I want to make sure I soak up every moment of my final season."

There is one complication.

His Saracens contract runs until the end of the 2026/27 domestic season, while the Rugby World Cup does not begin until October 2027.

However, George remains part of England's enhanced contract group and the prospect of one final international assignment in Australia will inevitably generate interest if he remains in Borthwick's plans.

If everything falls into place, the World Cup could provide the ultimate farewell for one of England's great servants.

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