England confirm 17 players who have been awarded 'enhanced EPS' contracts

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) have this afternoon confirmed the 17 players who have been awarded Elite Player Squad (EPS) contracts.

Announcing the list of players was England head coach Steve Borthwick in what is being signalled as a key move by the RFU for managing top line English talent.

Per the RFU media release, “The introduction of the contracts, which form part of the newly created Men’s Professional Game Partnership (MPGP) announced in September, allows Borthwick to have the final say on all sports science and medical matters relating to the players, and will help ensure the best possible preparation for the England Men’s team.”

England Men’s enhanced EPS contracts:
Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers)
Tom Curry (Sale Sharks)
Theo Dan (Saracens)
Ben Earl (Saracens)
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs)
George Ford (Sale Sharks)
Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints)
George Furbank (Northampton Saints)
Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears)
Jamie George (Saracens)
Maro Itoje (Saracens)
Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby)
George Martin (Leicester Tigers)
Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints)
Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)
Fin Smith (Northampton Saints)
Marcus Smith (Harlequins)

“I am delighted to be in a position to name the 17 players who are first to receive the enhanced EPS contracts.” said Borthwick.

“I am confident that these contracts, and our strong relationship with the Premiership clubs, will play a significant role in England Rugby’s continued development.”

Conor O’Shea, the RFU’s Director of Performance Rugby, said:

“One of the aims of the new Men’s Professional Game Partnership is to create world-leading English teams.

“Enhanced EPS contracts will enable Steve and his coaching team to work in partnership with the players and their clubs, on their individual development plans, medical, and strength and conditioning programmes to ensure optimum preparation for England Men’s fixtures.

“We believe this new collaborative approach between club, country and the players can bring greater stability to English rugby, as well as supporting the growth and performance of the England Men’s team.”