George Furbank in doubt for Six Nations after arm injury

George Furbank, Northampton Saints' versatile full-back, is facing a race against time to recover for the Six Nations after sustaining a broken arm during the recent Champions Cup match against the Vodacom Bulls.

The injury has cast doubt on his availability for England’s campaign, as the tournament is set to begin in early February.

Furbank, who has been a reliable performer for both Saints and England, suffered the injury in the Saints' historic 30-21 victory in South Africa. He was forced off the field just before halftime, and scans later confirmed the severity of the injury.

The 27-year-old has been a key figure in Northampton’s lineup, offering tactical versatility and experience in the backline.

His injury comes at a crucial time for both club and country, as Northampton prepares for the business end of the domestic and European competitions, and England gears up for their Six Nations campaign under head coach Steve Borthwick.

Furbank, who made his England debut in 2020, has been a consistent presence in the national setup, contributing to England’s backline depth with his ability to play at full-back or in the midfield.

Phil Dowson, Northampton Saints' Director of Rugby, expressed his support for Furbank, stating: “George is an integral part of our team, and this is a tough blow for him and the squad. We’ll ensure he gets the best medical care and support as he works toward his recovery.”

Furbank’s timeline for recovery remains unclear, though a typical rehabilitation period for a broken arm could see him sidelined for at least six to eight weeks. This would make his participation in the later stages of the Six Nations possible, though his availability for the opening rounds is highly doubtful.

England’s Six Nations opener against Scotland on February 3rd looms large, and the injury will force head coach Borthwick to consider alternative options for the full-back role. For Northampton, the loss of their captain is significant as they continue their push in the Gallagher Premiership and the Champions Cup.