England: 17 players handed groundbreaking enhanced EPS contracts
17 players have been handed the new enhanced EPS contracts.
England Rugby have confirmed that 17 players have been awarded enhanced Elite Player Squad (EPS) contracts, as announced in the new Men’s Professional Game Partnership (MPGP) last month.
These new contracts allow Steve Borthwick to have the final say on all sports science and medical matters, allowing the best possible preparation for the England men’s team.
17 players handed enhanced EPS contracts
On top of the increased involvement of Borthwick, the new EPS contracts are aimed at ensuring stability building into the 2027 World Cup.
Commenting on the news, England head coach Borthwick said: “I am delighted to be in a position to name the 17 players who are first to receive the enhanced EPS contracts.”
He added: “I am confident that these contracts, and our strong relationship with the Premiership clubs, will play a significant role in England Rugby’s continued development.”
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Conor O’Shea, the RFU’s Director of Performance Rugby, also expressed his delight at the news, saying: “One of the aims of the new Men’s Professional Game Partnership is to create world-leading English teams.
“Enhanced EPS contracts will enable Steve and his coaching team to work in partnership with the players and their clubs, on their individual development plans, medical, and strength and conditioning programmes to ensure optimum preparation for England Men’s fixtures.
“We believe this new collaborative approach between club, country and the players can bring greater stability to English rugby,” he continued. “As well as supporting the growth and performance of the England Men’s team.”
List of the 17 players in full
Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers)
Tom Curry (Sale Sharks)
Theo Dan (Saracens)
Ben Earl (Saracens)
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs)
George Ford (Sale Sharks)
Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints)
George Furbank (Northampton Saints)
Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears)
Jamie George (Saracens)
Maro Itoje (Saracens)
Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby)
George Martin (Leicester Tigers)
Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints)
Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)
Fin Smith (Northampton Saints)
Marcus Smith (Harlequins)
