Freddie Steward contract situation puts clubs on alert, international future unclear

According to Rugby Pass, both wingers are drawing serious interest from a string of rival clubs, including heavyweights like Saracens, Harlequins, Bath, Exeter Chiefs, and Gloucester.

The Leicester Tigers star last signed a contract extension in 2022, but without a spot on the prestigious elite player list announced yesterday and after recently losing his England jersey to George Furbank, Steward's future is shrouded in uncertainty.

Once an untouchable presence at the back, Steward’s omission from England’s elite player contracts has set alarm bells ringing. England’s decision to award George Furbank the No. 15 shirt, while leaving Steward watching from the sidelines, has clubs scrambling to assess their options.

Could this be the golden opportunity for Premiership heavyweights like Sale Sharks and Bristol Bears to snap up one of England’s most reliable young talents? And, for the first time, French and Japanese clubs are reportedly keeping an eye on the shifting tides.

At Leicester, Steward’s current deal keeps him locked in until the end of this season. But with his England position under threat and a contract renewal nowhere in sight, he might be tempted by a fresh challenge – and potentially a lucrative payday – elsewhere.

One thing’s for sure: the next few months could be career-defining for the 23-year-old. For Steward, it’s time to decide – stay and fight or find a new place to shine.

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:

1. Joe Marler (Harlequins)

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.