Alex Coles and Asher Opoku-Fordjour have been named among a select group of five England internationals to receive the Rugby Football Union's newly introduced enhanced contracts, marking a historic first for the union. The forwards are part of a 25‑player cohort slated for the 2026/27 season, joining other debutants George Martin, Guy Pepper and scrum‑half Jack van Poortvliet in the upgraded roster.
Coles, who plies his trade as a lock for Northampton Saints, has been a consistent presence in the national side over the past year. His performances have earned him 22 test caps to date, and his physicality and line‑out expertise have made him a cornerstone of England's forward pack. At just 26, he has already demonstrated the work ethic and tactical awareness that the RFU values in its elite players. Opoku‑Fordjour, meanwhile, has emerged as a powerful prop despite being only 22 years old.
In a position that traditionally favors experience, he has already amassed eight test appearances, showcasing a blend of strength, scrummaging technique and mobility that belies his age. His rapid rise through the ranks has caught the eye of selectors, and his inclusion in the enhanced contract list underscores the union's confidence in his long‑term potential. The announcement also confirmed that several established players – Ben Curry, Elliot Daly, Ollie Lawrence, Tom Roebuck and Tom Willis – will no longer retain their previous Elite Player Squad (EPS) enhanced contracts.
This reshuffle reflects the RFU's strategic aim to reward emerging talent while maintaining a balanced squad composition. Enhanced contracts represent a significant shift in how England manages its top talent. Under the new terms, the national team retains ultimate authority over a player's medical care, conditioning programmes and overall welfare, ensuring a unified approach to performance optimisation.
Additionally, the contracts replace the traditional per‑match fee structure with a guaranteed annual salary, providing players with financial stability and allowing them to focus fully on their development and on‑field responsibilities. The move has been welcomed by club representatives and former internationals alike.
Seb Atkinson of Gloucester Rugby highlighted the importance of a clear, consistent framework for player welfare, while Harlequins' Fin Baxter praised the RFU's commitment to nurturing young talent. Leicester Tigers' Ollie Chessum, also a beneficiary of the new system, noted that the fixed salary model reduces the uncertainty that can accompany international duty. Below is a snapshot of the full list of players who have either secured an enhanced contract or are notable figures within the England setup for the upcoming season: - Alex Coles (Northampton Saints) - Luke Cowan‑Dickie (Sale Sharks) - Tom Curry (Sale Sharks) - Immanuel Feyi‑Waboso (Exeter Chiefs) - George Ford (Sale Sharks) - Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints) - George Furbank (Harlequins) - Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears) - Jamie George (Saracens) - Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers) - Maro Itoje (Saracens) - George Martin (Saracens) - Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints) - Asher Opoku‑Fordjour (Sale Sharks) - Guy Pepper (Bath Rugby) - Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints) - Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs) - Fin Smith (Northampton Saints) - Marcus Smith (Harlequins) - Will Stuart (Bath Rugby) - Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers) The RFU's decision to introduce enhanced contracts aligns with broader trends in professional rugby, where governing bodies aim to centralise player management, reduce injury risk and provide clearer career pathways. By offering a fixed remuneration package, the union hopes to attract and retain top talent, while also ensuring that players receive consistent medical oversight regardless of club affiliation.
For fans, the new system promises greater transparency around player selection and welfare. The RFU will continue to publish updates on contract allocations, allowing supporters to track the development of rising stars like Coles and Opoku‑Fordjour as they progress through the England ranks.
To stay informed about future contract announcements, squad selections and other rugby news, fans are encouraged to download the Sky Sports app and customise their notification preferences. This ensures that supporters receive timely alerts about match results, injury updates and any further changes to the Elite Player Squad.
In summary, Alex Coles and Asher Opoku‑Fordjour's inclusion in the inaugural batch of enhanced contracts signals a new era for England rugby, one that prioritises player welfare, financial security and the strategic cultivation of emerging talent alongside seasoned veterans.