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Fin Smith calf injury clouds England No.10 for November tests

By Drooid · Oct 27, 2026, 3:34 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Borthwick Faces Injuries

England coach Steve Borthwick confronts a wave of injuries while shaping the 36-man training squad for the November Tests.
Fin Smith withdrew from the three-day camp with a calf injury, leaving his starting No 10 role uncertain.
England will face Australia on 8 November, Japan on 14 November, and New Zealand on 21 November at Allianz Stadium.
Borthwick aims to use the November series to identify a core group for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Summary

Marchant Returns England

Joe Marchant returned to the England squad after a stint in Paris despite being told his international career was over.
Marchant said he still wants to play for England, a dream unchanged since childhood.
George Ford, 33, has earned 113 caps for England as a veteran fly-half.
Charlie Atkinson earned an England call-up after strong performances for Gloucester this season.

History

Historical Context

In 2003, England under coach Clive Woodward captured the Rugby World Cup, defeating Australia 20-17 at the newly built stadium in Sydney. Woodward selected a 30-man squad, including future star Jonny Wilkinson, who contributed 113 points and earned the tournament’s Player of the Year award. Borthwick now faces a similar selection challenge, juggling injuries to Fin Smith and integrating veterans George Ford and newcomer Charlie Atkinson for November Tests. If England replicates 2003’s squad cohesion, the 2027 World Cup could secure another title, reinforcing the nation’s rugby legacy and boosting grassroots participation.

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Borthwick Faces Injuries

England coach Steve Borthwick confronts a wave of injuries while shaping the 36-man training squad for the November Tests.
Fin Smith withdrew from the three-day camp with a calf injury, leaving his starting No 10 role uncertain.
England will face Australia on 8 November, Japan on 14 November, and New Zealand on 21 November at Allianz Stadium.
Borthwick aims to use the November series to identify a core group for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

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