Alex Coles and Asher Opoku‑Fordjour have been named among a select group of twenty‑five England rugby union players who will receive enhanced contracts from the Rugby Football Union (RFU) for the 2026/27 season. This marks the first time the RFU has extended such upgraded agreements to these two athletes, signalling the governing body’s confidence in their development and future contributions to the national side.
The list of players granted the new contracts is heavily weighted toward forwards, reflecting the RFU’s strategic emphasis on building a robust pack for upcoming international competitions. Alongside Coles and Opoku‑Fordjour, the forwards’ cohort includes debut‑contract recipients George Martin, Guy Pepper and scrum‑half Jack van Poortvliet, each of whom has shown promise at club level and earned a place in the England setup. Alex Coles, a lock who plies his trade with Northampton Saints, has cemented his reputation as a reliable line‑out specialist and a physical presence in the tight exchanges.
Over the past twelve months he has become a regular fixture in the England squad, amassing twenty‑two test caps to date. His performances have been characterised by strong ball‑carrying, disciplined defensive work, and an ability to disrupt opposition set‑pieces. The enhanced contract recognises his consistency and the expectation that he will continue to be a cornerstone of England’s second row for years to come.
At just twenty‑two years old, Asher Opoku‑Fordjour is already establishing himself as a formidable prop. Despite his youth, he has earned eight test caps, an impressive tally that underscores his rapid progression. Playing for Sale Sharks at club level, Opoku‑Fordjour combines raw power with technical scrummaging proficiency, making him a valuable asset in both the set‑piece and open play. The RFU’s decision to award him an upgraded contract reflects a long‑term investment in his potential to become a mainstay of the front row.
The introduction of these new contracts inevitably means that a few previously contracted players will lose their elite status. Ben Curry, Elliot Daly, Ollie Lawrence, Tom Roebuck and Tom Willis have been removed from the Enhanced Elite Player Squad (EPS) list.
This reshuffle illustrates the competitive nature of national selection and the RFU’s willingness to refresh its talent pool based on form, fitness, and future outlook. Enhanced contracts bring several practical benefits for the players and the union alike. Under the terms of the agreement, England retains final authority over the medical care, conditioning programmes and overall welfare of the contracted athletes.
In addition, the contracts replace the traditional per‑match fee structure with a fixed annual salary, providing financial stability and allowing players to focus entirely on performance without the uncertainty of match‑by‑match remuneration. The move aligns with broader trends in professional rugby, where governing bodies are seeking to centralise player management to optimise performance and reduce injury risk. By standardising training loads, recovery protocols and nutritional guidance, the RFU hopes to extend the careers of its top talent while maintaining a high‑performance environment. The announcement was accompanied by a list of notable England internationals currently under contract, highlighting the depth of talent across the Premiership.
Names such as Seb Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby), Fin Baxter (Harlequins), Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers), 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), Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints), Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints), Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs), Fin Smith (Northampton Saints), Marcus Smith (Harlequins), Will Stuart (Bath Rugby) and many others were cited, underscoring the breadth of experience within the squad. For fans and stakeholders, the RFU also highlighted the importance of staying connected through digital platforms. Supporters are encouraged to customise their sports notifications and download the Sky Sports app to receive real‑time updates, match highlights, and exclusive content related to England rugby and the broader Premiership landscape.
In summary, the enhanced contracts awarded to Alex Coles, Asher Opoku‑Fordjour and their fellow forwards represent a strategic investment by the RFU in the next generation of England rugby talent. By offering financial security, centralized care, and a clear pathway to international duty, the union aims to foster a cohesive, resilient squad capable of competing at the highest level in the upcoming 2026/27 season and beyond.