England’s scrum-half Alex Mitchell will consult with a specialist on Thursday to determine the severity of a neck injury that has kept him sidelined since the start of the season.
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Mitchell a Key Figure for Borthwick
Mitchell, capped 18 times by England, has become a crucial player under head coach Steve Borthwick. His absence has caused concern for both Northampton and England, leaving Borthwick with an anxious wait ahead of future selections.
Injury Forces Premiership Absence
The 26-year-old missed Northampton Saints’ Premiership opener against Bath last Friday, having pulled out of their final pre-season match against Bedford the previous week.
Following the Bath game, Northampton’s director of rugby, Phil Dowson, revealed that Mitchell had suffered a knock to the neck and that the club was awaiting scan results to assess the injury.
Exeter Clash Likely to Come Too Soon
As Northampton prepare to host Exeter Chiefs this Saturday, Mitchell remains doubtful for selection. Dowson indicated in a press conference that further updates would follow after Thursday’s specialist consultation.
“He is seeing a specialist again on Thursday, so more update really, then, in terms of timeline and what it looks like,” Dowson said.
“Back with a bang” – Five England hopefuls who impressed in the Premiership this weekend
England boss Steve Borthwick will have been keeping a close eye on potential stars, and these five players surely caught his attention in the opening round, showcasing the form and physicality needed on the international stage.
#1. George Ford (Sale Sharks)
George Ford’s assured kicking from the tee proved pivotal as Sale Sharks edged a scrappy encounter to kick off their Premiership campaign. The England fly-half landed four penalties to steer his side to victory in wet conditions in the North West, following a downpour earlier in the day.
Harlequins took the game’s only try in the first half, with hooker Jack Walker powering over from a line-out drive. But Ford, absent from England’s summer tour, made a strong case for a swift return under Steve Borthwick, showcasing his trademark composure and game management in tough conditions. No other fly-half in the league can match his experience in pressure situations.
The other good news is coming out of France that Ford has rejected big money offers to re-sign with Sale, where his contract was due to expire at the end of the 2024/25 season.