LONDON — In a significant development for English rugby, coach Steve Borthwick announced the awarding of elite player squad contracts to 17 players on Friday, marking an important milestone in the sport.
Among the players contracted are three flyhalves, but there is only one prop, loosehead Ellis Genge, and one scrumhalf, Alex Mitchell. The new contracts signify a shift in how players are compensated, as those selected can earn up to 160,000 pounds ($207,000) a year, a substantial increase from the previous match fees of approximately 23,000 pounds ($30,000).
Notable omissions from the list include back-row players Sam Underhill and Chandler Cunningham-South, the latter of whom participated in all three summer tests this past July. Borthwick has the authority to select up to 25 players for these contracts, which come with added responsibilities regarding sports science and medical care. This allows him greater influence in managing the players, particularly during their commitments with club teams.
The players who received the contracts include Ollie Chessum, Tom Curry, Theo Dan, Ben Earl, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, George Ford, Tommy Freeman, George Furbank, Genge, Jamie George, Maro Itoje, Ollie Lawrence, George Martin, Mitchell, Henry Slade, Fin Smith, and Marcus Smith. Borthwick expressed his confidence in this new contractual structure, stating, “I am certain that these contracts, alongside our robust partnership with the Premiership clubs, will significantly contribute to the ongoing development of rugby in England.”
The contracts come as part of a four-year arrangement that has been facilitated by a newly formed organization known as Team England Rugby. This group is composed of players advocating for direct influence over issues that are essential to them, ranging from gameplay and recovery times to compensation and personal brand enhancement efforts within the sport.
The new agreement also introduces an exemption process to help manage player workloads, particularly as they approach the limit of 30 games per season. Additionally, there will be an ongoing research initiative aimed at improving player welfare and determining optimal rest periods. Captain Jamie George, a member of the TER board, commented on the progress, noting, “We are pleased to see a reduction in games from 35 to 30, demonstrating a commitment to player welfare that is essential for English rugby’s success.”
He went on to emphasize the heightened intensity of international rugby, calling for the establishment of specific rest protocols for international play. The research project is anticipated to provide support for these proposals.
Looking ahead, the England men’s rugby team is set to face New Zealand next week at Twickenham, an encounter that promises to be an exciting showcase for the newly contracted players.