Fin Smith injury concern for England ahead of Australia Test

England face an injury concern ahead of their Nations Championship fixtures after fly-half Fin Smith was ruled out of training this week with a calf problem.

Smith was included in Steve Borthwick’s 36-player training squad but will instead begin rehabilitation at England’s Pennyhill Park camp after featuring in Northampton Saints’ defeat to Leicester Tigers on Saturday.

Fin Smith to undergo further assessment

The Northampton fly-half is expected to undergo further assessment, with Borthwick due to provide an update on the severity of the injury.

Gloucester Rugby’s Charlie Atkinson has been called into the England camp as cover while Smith works through his rehabilitation.

Smith has started England’s last five Tests after moving ahead of George Ford at No.10 during the Six Nations and had been in pole position to start against Australia.

England face the Wallabies at Allianz Stadium on November 8 before matches against Japan and New Zealand later in the month.

Charlie Atkinson called into England camp

Atkinson joins the squad after an impressive start to the season with Gloucester and provides Borthwick with another option at fly-half.

England also retain significant experience at No.10 through George Ford and Marcus Smith, who has been in strong form for Harlequins.

England manage several injury concerns

Seb Atkinson and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso are also undergoing rehabilitation for knee and hamstring injuries respectively and will not take part fully in this week’s training.

Bristol Bears centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg was not included in the 36-player group after suffering a head injury earlier this month.

England host Australia on November 8, Japan on November 14 and New Zealand on November 21 before the inaugural Nations Championship Finals Weekend at Allianz Stadium from November 27 to 29.