Scrum-half Alex Mitchell has been ruled out of England's Nations Championship after sustaining his fourth hamstring injury of the year. The Northampton player was forced off during his club's recent match against Gloucester, and the national team confirmed he will not participate in the upcoming games against Australia, Japan, and New Zealand.
Mitchell's absence from the championship was largely anticipated after he left the field in the first half of Northampton's victory over Gloucester. The 29-year-old has suffered three previous hamstring injuries in 2026, and this latest setback means a lengthy period away from the game for both club and country. Bath's Ben Spencer and Bristol Bears' Harry Randall have been brought in as scrum-half options. Leicester's Jack van Poortvliet, who started all of England's summer Tests, is expected to be the primary choice at number nine.
In other injury news, fly-half Fin Smith participated in limited training drills as he recovers from a calf problem. England sources are reportedly optimistic about his chances of being fit for Sunday's match against Australia. Hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie and flanker Tom Curry both took part in modified training sessions and are expected to be available for selection. England head coach Steve Borthwick is set to announce his squad for the Australia match on Friday.