Steve Borthwick names core England squad with new contract announcements

Steve Borthwick has announced the core of his England squad ahead of the Rugby World Cup, revealing enhanced contracts for five new players. The central contracts, which total 25 players, are valued at over £150,000 each annually. New inclusions are Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Alex Coles, Guy Pepper, Jack van Poortvliet, and Seb Atkinson. Notable omissions include Tom Willis after his international ineligibility, along with Ben Curry, Tom Roebuck, Elliot Daly, and Ollie Lawrence. England's next matches are in November against Australia, Japan, and New Zealand.

• 1:30 PMYahoo Sports — Steve Borthwick reveals core of England squad as enhanced contracts handed out