England: Steve Borthwick names 17 players to receive new RFU deals

RFU announces new deals for 17 England players

Steve Borthwick has named 17 players who will receive new contracts with the Rugby Football Union (RFU).

The deals will see the players commit to English club rugby until 2027, with the option of a further year.

The players who have been offered new deals are:

• Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears)
• Jamie George (Saracens)
• Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears)
• Joe Launchbury (Harlequins)
• Maro Itoje (Saracens)
• Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins)
• Jack Willis (Wasps)
• Tom Curry (Sale Sharks)
• Ben Earl (Saracens)
• Sam Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs)
• Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints)
• Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby)
• Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)
• Marcus Smith (Harlequins)
• Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)
• Joe Marchant (Harlequins)
• Max Malins (Saracens)

The new deals are a significant investment in English rugby, and they will help to ensure that the national team remains competitive in the years to come.

Borthwick said: "I am delighted to be able to announce these new deals. These players are all key members of our squad, and they have all shown their commitment to English rugby.

"I am confident that they will continue to play a major role in our success in the years to come."

The RFU's commitment to English rugby

The RFU is committed to investing in English rugby at all levels.

In addition to the new player deals, the RFU has also announced a number of other initiatives to support the game in England, including:

• A new £20 million investment in grassroots rugby
• A new £10 million investment in the women's game
• A new £5 million investment in the academy system

These initiatives will help to ensure that English rugby remains strong at all levels.