A hamstring injury picked up on Saturday has reshaped England’s scrum-half plans: Ben Spencer and Harry Randall have been called into the squad after Alex Mitchell was ruled out of Sunday’s match with Australia.
Mitchell hurt his hamstring during Northampton Saints’ win over Gloucester. The 29-year-old will have a scan on Monday to find out how serious the injury is and how long he may be out. It is his third hamstring injury of the year. England have also lost Northampton’s Archie McParland, 21, who injured his calf during last week’s training camp. The uncapped player is out of the Australia match, but could still be considered for the games against Japan on 14 November and New Zealand on 21 November.
Leicester’s Jack van Poortvliet, who started all three of England’s summer Tests, looks set to remain the first-choice scrum-half. Spencer, from Bath, and Bristol Bears’ Randall join the group as cover. England’s plans at fly-half are also uncertain: first-choice Fin Smith is dealing with a calf problem, leaving Marcus Smith and George Ford in contention to step in if needed.
There are other changes to the squad, too. Saracens hooker Theo Dan has won the third hooker place ahead of Nathan Jibulu, Jamie Blamire and Gabriel Oghre. He replaces Bath’s Kepu Tuipulotu, who was injured at the training camp. Gloucester centre Seb Atkinson and Exeter wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso have made the squad after returning from injury to play for their clubs this weekend.
The midfield choices bring familiar names back into the picture. Gloucester’s Will Joseph is included, having earned his only previous England cap in 2022. Joe Marchant of Sale is also selected after becoming eligible again following three seasons playing in France. Bath centres Ollie Lawrence and Max Ojomoh, both part of England’s clean sweep last autumn, have been left out. Saracens winger Noah Caluori, 20, is also not selected.
England’s November campaign begins against Australia, then continues with Japan and New Zealand. The squad will also play a fourth Test during the play-off finals weekend of the new Nations Championship format, against a southern hemisphere opponent who has not yet been decided. The next few days could bring more clarity, especially on the fitness of Mitchell and Fin Smith. For now, the call-ups give England extra options as they prepare for a demanding run of international matches.