England players, including captain Jamie George, have expressed 'extensive concerns' about their workload to the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and raised player welfare issues before agreeing to new contracts. George has also emphasized that the introduction of player welfare protocols specific to England players 'needs to be explored' as part of the new deal, which includes enhanced contracts worth £160,000 each for 17 players.

Sam Underhill and Freddie Steward are notable omissions from the 17 selected by Steve Borthwick, but Tom Curry has been given a deal despite his long-term injury issues. The contracts have been announced as part of a new Elite Player Squad (EPS) agreement brokered by Team England Rugby, an organization set up by the players to negotiate with the RFU after breaking away from the Rugby Players’ Association.

Negotiations with the RFU were challenging, with player welfare protocols and affordability being key issues. A statement from TER's board, which includes Ellis Genge, George, Maro Itoje, Joe Marler, and Anthony Watson, highlighted concerns about current rest provisions for England players and specific welfare issues faced by international players.

A four-year agreement has been reached, with a management advisory group established for the EPS and an exemption process introduced to manage player workload. A research project will be undertaken and reviewed at the end of the 2024-25 season to inform future welfare and rest provisions.

George noted, 'While we have reservations about some aspects of the current protocols, we’re encouraged by the progress made. Reducing games from 35 to 30 demonstrates a commitment to player welfare that we believe is crucial for the success of English rugby. However, the intensity of international rugby is greater than ever, and we believe that specific international rest protocols need to be explored.'

The enhanced contracts are part of the new Professional Game Partnership between the RFU and Premiership clubs. George and Itoje were offered contracts last season to ward off interest from French clubs. The list of 17 includes three fly-halves but only one prop, reflecting Borthwick's lack of depth in the front row.

Curry’s inclusion is significant given his long-term injury concerns. The PGP is worth £33m a year to the clubs, and Borthwick has greater control over the 17 players selected, including final say on sports science and medical matters.

While Genge is the only prop awarded a deal, George and Theo Dan are the two hookers given contracts. Borthwick can award up to 25 contracts but has chosen to hand out fewer. Players selected to represent England who are not among the chosen 17 will continue to receive a match fee.

The EPS deal also enables increased commercial opportunities for England players. Genge said, 'As a group, we felt that there was an opportunity with the new agreement to look at the commercialisation of England players, both collectively and individually, and we wanted to be at the forefront of these changes.'

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