Pollock accrues inaugural England upgrade deal with Farrell omitted from consideration
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has unveiled the Enhanced Elite Player Squad (EPS) for the 2022-2023 season, a group of 25 England international players who will receive enhanced support, training, and financial terms to focus fully on their international and club commitments.
While the full list of all 25 players has not been confirmed yet, notable figures such as George Ford have been part of the enhanced EPS in recent seasons. England and Lions captain Maro Itoje, along with Tommy Freeman, Fin Smith, Marcus Smith, and Tom Curry, are among those retained.
The enhanced EPS contracts are distinct from standard club contracts, offering additional support and prioritizing international duties. These contracts replace match fees with a fixed annual salary and give England final say over players' medical care.
The contracts are intended to continue England's strong relationship with Premiership clubs and are part of England Rugby's ongoing development. However, the exact value of the enhanced EPS contracts is not specified in the article. It is reported that the value of these deals is £150,000 ($201,453).
Fin Baxter, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ben Curry, Elliot Daly, Joe Heyes, Tom Roebuck, Will Stuart, Tom Willis, and an unnamed player have taken up Enhanced Elite Player Squad (EPS) deals. The 20-year-old player, named Pollock, has made one appearance for England, scoring two tries as a replacement in a match against Wales. Pollock has also been selected for the British and Irish Lions' tour of Australia.
For the most precise and up-to-date list of Enhanced EPS contract recipients for 2022-2023, checking official RFU announcements or their website directly would be advisable, as they publish these squad details annually. Notably, former Red Rose captain Owen Farrell is not on the 25-man list announced by head coach Steve Borthwick.
These contracts are designed to provide enhanced support to England's senior elite professionals, helping to develop and maintain England's elite rugby talent. The contracts prioritize players' welfare on and off the field, ensuring they can focus fully on their international and club commitments.
In the 2022-2023 season, the Enhanced Elite Player Squad (EPS) includes several football players who juggle international and club duties, such as Maro Itoje and Tommy Freeman. Despite European-leagues offering competitive opportunities, many premier-league athletes choose to participate in the EPS, which prioritizes their international commitments over club obligations.
