England Rugby Awards 17 Enhanced EPS Contracts

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has announced that 17 players have received enhanced Elite Player Squad (EPS) contracts, part of the newly established Men's Professional Game Partnership (MPGP). These contracts grant England head coach Steve Borthwick significant control over player management, including final decisions on sports science and medical matters. Among the selected players are three fly-halves and key leaders like Jamie George and Maro Itoje, while notable absences include flanker Sam Underhill and several props. The contracts aim to provide financial stability and support player development, with guarantees for annual payments instead of match fees. The initiative follows the formation of Team England Rugby, a player-led organization that negotiated these agreements independently from the players' union. The new contracts are designed to enhance the performance of the England Men’s team as they prepare for upcoming Test matches and aim for success in the 2027 World Cup.