"Exciting talent" - Four England stars set to earn England central contracts

Monday, 13 July 2026 at 11:02

bySteven Smith

Steve Borthwick could have at least one vacancy to fill in England's enhanced Elite Player Squad (EPS) later this year, with Tom Willis' central contract expected to come to an end following his move to Bordeaux.

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While Willis' departure is the only confirmed opening, injuries, form and competition for places mean several other current contract holders could also come under scrutiny when the RFU reviews its enhanced contracts.

Here are the four players best placed to earn a central contract.

1. Guy Pepper

Pepper has enjoyed a remarkable rise over the past 12 months.

The Bath back-rower has forced his way into England's plans with a series of outstanding performances and has already shown he can perform at Test level. With Ben Curry enduring another injury-hit spell, Pepper looks perfectly placed to become England's next centrally contracted back-row forward.

2. Benhard Janse van Rensburg

The South Africa-born centre has wasted little time making an impression since becoming England qualified.

Trusted by Borthwick during the summer, Janse van Rensburg offers power, experience and versatility across the midfield. With only Ollie Lawrence and Henry Slade currently holding enhanced EPS deals among the centres, he could quickly establish himself as a long-term option.

3. Noah Caluori

Few players have risen faster than Caluori.

Still only 19, the back-row forward was fast-tracked into England's senior squad and has already made his Test debut. Borthwick has repeatedly shown a willingness to reward young talent, and if Caluori continues his rapid development, a central contract could arrive far sooner than many expect.

4. Jack van Poortvliet

Alex Mitchell is currently the only scrum-half with an enhanced EPS contract.

Van Poortvliet has worked his way back into Borthwick's plans after injury setbacks and remains one of England's most highly-rated nines. Should the RFU decide to add a second contracted scrum-half, he looks the obvious candidate.

Who could lose their contracts?

While Tom Willis' departure creates one confirmed vacancy, there are several current contract holders whose positions could come under pressure.

Tom Willis – His enhanced EPS deal is expected to end following his move to Bordeaux.
Ben Curry – Injury problems have limited his impact and opened the door for Guy Pepper.
Tom Roebuck – Has slipped down the back-three pecking order this summer following the return of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and the continued rise of Tommy Freeman.
Will Stuart – Still England's first-choice tighthead, but with England planning towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup, every contract will come under review as younger players continue to emerge.

The next enhanced EPS announcement is expected to reward players who have established themselves as key parts of Borthwick's plans heading into the next World Cup cycle. Based on current form and selection trends, Pepper, Janse van Rensburg, Caluori and Van Poortvliet appear to be leading the race.