What changed
Alex Mitchell will miss England’s entire Nations Championship after suffering his fourth hamstring injury of 2026. The 29-year-old Northampton scrum-half limped out of the 28-14 win over Gloucester and will not face Australia, Japan or New Zealand.
Why it matters
England now looks set to start Jack van Poortvliet at scrum-half. Ben Spencer and Harry Randall have been called in as cover, while 21-year-old Archie McParland has withdrawn with a calf injury.
The likely reading is that England has lost an experienced organiser before a demanding run of matches. Mitchell has 32 caps, but his repeated hamstring problems also raise a longer-term question: how quickly can he return to club and international rugby? The length of his absence is not yet known.
Fin Smith’s calf recovery adds another selection concern. He took limited part in training, including running drills, and England remains hopeful he can face Australia on Sunday. Steve Borthwick will name the side on Friday.
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