Sam Underhill ruled out of Nations Championship

England flanker Sam Underhill will miss the Nations Championship after rupturing his biceps during Bath’s 33-17 victory over Harlequins in their opening Gallagher PREM fixture of the season.

Sam Underhill suffers biceps rupture

The 30-year-old was forced off after 48 minutes at The Stoop on September 25 after sustaining the injury to his arm. Subsequent scans confirmed a ruptured biceps, with Underhill scheduled to undergo surgery on Thursday.

Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan said he suspected the seriousness of the injury immediately and went to check on Underhill after the flanker left the field. The scan subsequently confirmed his initial concern.

Bath expect Underhill to remain sidelined for several months, with a return currently anticipated in December or January.

England flanker to miss Nations Championship

The recovery timeframe rules Underhill out of England’s Nations Championship matches against Australia, Japan and New Zealand at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, in November.

England face Australia on November 8, Japan on November 14 and New Zealand on November 21 before taking part in the Nations Championship Finals Weekend from November 27 to 29.

Underhill’s injury also means he will miss a significant part of Bath’s domestic campaign following their opening-round victory over Harlequins.

Underhill suffers another injury setback

The Bath flanker featured in all five of England’s matches during the 2026 Six Nations.

However, Underhill missed England’s summer internationals after undergoing shoulder surgery, making the latest biceps injury another extended absence for the experienced back-row forward.