Alex Coles and Asher Opoku‑Fordjour have been named as two of the five England internationals to receive an upgraded contract from the Rugby Football Union (RFU) for the first time. This marks a significant step in their professional journeys and reflects the RFU’s confidence in their abilities as they head into the 2026/27 season. Both players are part of a 25‑member group that will benefit from the enhanced terms for the upcoming campaign.
Joining them are fellow debut‑contract recipients George Martin, Guy Pepper and scrum‑half Jack van Poortvliet, each of whom has also demonstrated the consistency and potential that the national selectors value. Lock Alex Coles has been a standout performer for Northampton Saints, earning a reputation as a reliable line‑out specialist and a powerful ball‑carrier in the tight phases.
Over the past twelve months he has become a regular fixture in England’s match‑day squads, accumulating a total of 22 test caps to date. His steady rise through the ranks, combined with his work ethic and physical presence, made him an obvious candidate for the RFU’s new contract structure.
Prop Asher Opoku‑Fordjour, meanwhile, has emerged as a formidable force in the front row despite being only 22 years old. Already capped eight times at senior level, his scrummaging technique, mobility around the park and ability to contribute in open play have drawn praise from coaches and pundits alike. The upgraded contract recognises his rapid development and signals the union’s intention to retain his services for the long term.
The introduction of these enhanced contracts also means that several players who previously enjoyed Elite Player Squad (EPS) status will see their agreements revert to the standard terms. Ben Curry, Elliot Daly, Ollie Lawrence, Tom Roebuck and Tom Willis are among those whose contracts will no longer be classified as "enhanced".
This reshuffle underscores the competitive nature of England’s talent pool and the RFU’s commitment to rewarding form and potential. Under the new arrangement, England retains final authority over each player’s medical care, conditioning programmes and overall welfare. The contract model replaces the previous system of per‑match fees with a guaranteed annual salary, offering greater financial stability and encouraging players to focus on long‑term performance and health.
The list of players mentioned in the announcement reads like a who’s‑who of the current English rugby landscape. In addition to Coles and Opoku‑Fordjour, the document references notable names such as Seb Atkinson of Gloucester Rugby, Fin Baxter of Harlequins, Ollie Chessum from Leicester Tigers, and Luke Cowan‑Dickie of Sale Sharks. It also highlights seasoned campaigners like Tom Curry (Sale Sharks), Immanuel Feyi‑Waboso (Exeter Chiefs), George Ford (Sale Sharks), and the versatile Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints).
Further down the roster, the RFU cites the likes of George Furbank (Harlequins), Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears), Jamie George (Saracens), Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers) and the ever‑impressive Maro Itoje (Saracens). Younger talents such as George Martin (Saracens), Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints), Guy Pepper (Bath Rugby), Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints), Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs), Fin Smith (Northampton Saints), Marcus Smith (Harlequins), Will Stuart (Bath Rugby) and Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers) also appear, illustrating the depth and breadth of the pool from which the national side draws. The move to enhanced contracts is part of a broader strategy by the RFU to modernise player remuneration, align incentives with performance, and ensure that England’s top athletes receive comprehensive support. By centralising control over conditioning and medical oversight, the union hopes to minimise injury risk, optimise recovery protocols and ultimately sustain a high level of competitiveness on the international stage.
Fans are encouraged to stay informed about the latest developments through the Sky Sports app, where they can customise notifications to receive updates on player contracts, match results, and other rugby‑related news. The app’s push‑notification feature ensures that supporters never miss a key announcement, whether it concerns contract upgrades like those awarded to Coles and Opoku‑Fordjour or the latest squad selections for upcoming fixtures. In summary, the RFU’s decision to award enhanced contracts to Alex Coles, Asher Opoku‑Fordjour and three other emerging talents reflects a deliberate investment in the future of English rugby.
By providing a stable salary framework, centralized health management, and clear pathways for progression, the union aims to cultivate a generation of players capable of sustaining England’s status as a world‑class rugby nation.