Henry Pollock’s impressive breakout year in international rugby has rewarded the Northampton back-row with an enhanced England contract for the first time.<\/p>\n
The 20-year-old has made only one England appearance, scoring two tries as a replacement in a 68-14 Six Nations thrashing of Wales in March.<\/p>\n
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But that lone cap off the bench, allied to fine late season form for Northampton, earned Pollock selection for the British and Irish Lions’ victorious tour of Australia.<\/p>\n
Fin Baxter, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ben Curry, Elliot Daly, Joe Heyes, Tom Roebuck, Will Stuart and Tom Willis have also taken up enhanced Elite Player Squad (EPS) deals, which are reported to be worth \u00a3150,000 ($201,453).<\/p>\n
But former Red Rose captain Owen Farrell, back in English rugby with Saracens following a brief stint at Paris-based Racing 92, was not on the 25-man list announced by head coach Steve Borthwick on Monday.<\/p>\n
England and Lions captain Maro Itoje, together with fellow Lions tourists Tommy Freeman, Fin Smith, Marcus Smith and Tom Curry are among those retained.<\/p>\n
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The contracts, introduced last year, give England final say over players\u2019 medical care and replace match fees with a fixed annual salary.<\/p>\n
“I am pleased to name the players who will receive an enhanced EPS contract this season,” said England boss Borthwick.<\/p>\n
“These contracts, together with our strong relationship with the Premiership clubs, will continue to play an important role in the ongoing development of England Rugby.”<\/p>\n
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