Alex Mitchell will miss England’s November Tests after another hamstring injury, leaving Steve Borthwick to reshuffle his scrum-half options before Australia visit Twickenham.
BBC Sport and Sky Sports reported on Tuesday 3 November that the Northampton Saints player had been ruled out for the full November phase of the Nations Championship. That extends the absence beyond Sunday’s opener, which he was already set to miss.
Mitchell was injured during Northampton’s 28–14 win over Gloucester on Saturday 31 October. The reports describe it as his fourth hamstring setback of 2026, with a spell out of both club and international rugby to follow.
Who is in the scrum-half mix?
Bristol Bears’ Harry Randall and Bath’s Ben Spencer were brought into the squad on Monday 2 November. They join Leicester’s Jack van Poortvliet, who started England’s three summer Tests.
Van Poortvliet is being tipped to start against Australia, but that is a selection expectation rather than a confirmed team announcement. Borthwick is due to name his matchday side on Friday.
Northampton’s Archie McParland is also dealing with a calf problem. Sky reported that he could return later in the campaign, making his situation different from Mitchell’s confirmed November absence.
Fin Smith remains a fitness question
Fly-half Fin Smith has been working back from a calf injury. BBC Sport reported that he took a limited part in training, including running drills, at England’s Bagshot base.
That does not amount to clearance to play. England still have decisions to make over their half-back pairing before the Wallabies match.
When do England play?
The venue’s official guide confirms Australia’s visit to Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, for Sunday 8 November, with kick-off at 15:10 GMT.
England’s November squad announcement, also published by Exeter Chiefs, lists a 36-player group comprising 20 forwards and 16 backs. It sets out the subsequent matches against Japan and New Zealand, followed by the competition’s Finals Weekend from 27 to 29 November.
The fixture sequence gives England four Tests during the month. The squad statement describes them as the last opportunity to face southern hemisphere opposition before the 2027 World Cup.
For supporters heading to Sunday’s match, the stadium lists gates and the fan village opening at 11:40, with the seating bowl opening at 13:40. Its event timings are approximate.
Elsewhere in the competition, read our report on Peter Murchie’s call for Wales to improve their defence before Japan’s visit.