Alex Coles and Asher Opoku-Fordjour have been named as part of a select group of five England internationals to receive an upgraded, or "enhanced", contract from the Rugby Football Union (RFU) for the first time in their careers. This development is a clear signal that the governing body sees these two forwards as integral to the national team’s plans for the upcoming 2026/27 season, and they join a broader list of 25 players who have been granted the same status. The list of enhanced contract recipients also includes three other newcomers: George Martin, Guy Pepper and Jack van Poortvliet. All four of these players have recently broken into the senior England squad and the RFU’s decision to award them enhanced terms reflects both their performances at club level and the potential they bring to the international arena.
The forwards, in particular, have been singled out for their consistency and impact over the past year. Alex Coles, a lock who plies his trade with Northampton Saints, has become a mainstay in the England set‑up over the last twelve months.
During that period he has amassed 22 test caps, a testament to the trust that coaches have placed in his line‑out ability, physicality in the tight exchanges and work rate around the field. His performances for the Saints have been marked by strong ball‑carrying, effective tackling and a keen sense of timing in the set‑piece, attributes that have translated well onto the international stage.
The RFU’s decision to award him an enhanced contract underscores his importance to the team’s forward engine and signals that he is expected to remain a central figure in England’s plans for the next few seasons. The other standout in this announcement is Asher Opoku‑Fordjour, a prop who, at just 22 years old, has already earned eight test caps for England. Despite his youth, Opoku‑Fordjour has shown a level of technical proficiency and physical resilience that belies his age. He has become a reliable option in the scrum, delivering stability and power that help England dominate the front row battle.
His ability to contribute in open play – making carries, securing the ball at breakdowns and providing defensive solidity – adds a valuable dimension to his game. The enhanced contract not only rewards his early achievements but also provides a clear pathway for his continued development within the national set‑up.
The inclusion of Coles and Opoku‑Fordjour, along with the other three newcomers, means that several previously contracted players will lose their elite status. Ben Curry, Elliot Daly, Ollie Lawrence, Tom Roebuck and Tom Willis are among those who will no longer hold the Elite Player Squad (EPS) enhanced contracts. This shift reflects the competitive nature of international rugby, where performance, form and potential are constantly reassessed, and where the RFU must allocate resources to those it believes will deliver the greatest impact for the national side. Enhanced contracts carry several practical benefits for the players and the RFU alike.
Under these agreements, England retains final authority over the players’ medical care, conditioning programmes and overall welfare, ensuring a consistent approach to player health across the squad. Moreover, the contracts replace the traditional per‑match fee structure with a fixed annual salary, providing players with greater financial stability and allowing them to focus fully on their preparation and performance without the uncertainty of match‑by‑match remuneration.
The announcement also listed a number of other England players who are currently part of the wider elite group, highlighting the depth of talent available to the national team. 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), Guy Pepper (Bath Rugby), Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints), Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs), Fin Smith (Northampton Saints), Marcus Smith (Harlequins), Will Stuart (Bath Rugby) and others were mentioned as part of the broader pool of elite talent. The RFU’s strategic move to award these enhanced contracts is part of a larger effort to retain top English talent, manage player workloads, and ensure that the national team remains competitive on the world stage. By offering a stable salary and centralized oversight of player welfare, the union aims to reduce the risk of burnout and injury, while also fostering a cohesive playing philosophy across club and country.
Fans are encouraged to stay updated on player news and contract developments through the Sky Sports app, which provides tailored sports notifications. The app offers a convenient way to follow the latest announcements, match results and in‑depth analysis, ensuring supporters never miss a beat in the fast‑moving world of rugby union. In summary, the RFU’s decision to grant enhanced contracts to Alex Coles, Asher Opoku‑Fordjour, George Martin, Guy Pepper and Jack van Poortvliet reflects a forward‑looking approach that rewards current performance and invests in future potential. The move reshapes the elite player landscape, removes a handful of previously contracted players, and underscores the importance of a stable, centrally managed support system for England’s top athletes as they prepare for the challenges of the 2026/27 season and beyond.