Central Contract Stripped as FIVE Star Players Miss Out on England Squad

Ollie Hassell-Collins, the dynamic Leicester Tigers winger, has been in blistering form since joining the club in 2023. In the 2024–25 season, he scored 16 tries in 31 appearances, earning Leicester’s Coaches’ Player of the Year award.

Hassell-Collins made his England debut in February 2023 against Scotland, but has been snubbed since. His absence leaves England’s back three without one of their fastest and most consistent finishers.

Tom Willis, England’s first-choice No. 8, is technically still available for selection until he officially joins Bordeaux-Bègles at the end of the season. However, England have seemingly decided to drop him from the autumn squad, signaling the end of his international involvement for now.

Willis had previously received an enhanced RFU central contract, but his impending move to France makes his future with England uncertain. His omission is a major loss to England’s back-row options.

Owen Farrell, England’s all-time record points scorer, has not played for the national team since the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Following that tournament, he announced a break from international rugby to focus on personal priorities.

Farrell remains a key presence at Saracens but has not been recalled for the Autumn Nations Series, with Borthwick opting for younger or in-form midfield options.

Tom Pearson, a physically imposing flanker for Northampton Saints, has been an influential figure in the Premiership.

He earned his first and only England cap in August 2023 during a World Cup warm-up match against Wales. Despite his talent and versatility, Pearson has been left out of this squad, likely due to a mix of tactical selection and the desire to explore other back-row combinations.

Nathan Jibulu, the highly-rated hooker who recently joined Sale Sharks from Harlequins, is seen as one of England’s rising forwards.

While he remains a key long-term prospect, his exclusion from the autumn squad indicates a gradual development plan rather than immediate integration into the senior side.