England’s Injury Problems Mount Ahead of Nations Championship Clash with Australia

England Head Coach Steve Borthwick faces a growing injury crisis ahead of his side’s Nations Championship clash against Australia at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on Sunday 8th November 2026.

With less than two weeks until the Wallabies arrive in London, England have been dealt several significant setbacks, with Guy Pepper and Benhard Janse van Rensburg ruled out of the November internationals, while first-choice fly-half Fin Smith faces a race against time to recover from a calf injury.

The latest developments come at a particularly important stage of England’s preparations, with fixtures against Australia, Japan and New Zealand approaching and the 2027 Rugby World Cup now less than a year away.

Fin Smith Facing Race to Be Fit for Australia

One of Borthwick’s biggest concerns is the fitness of Northampton Saints fly-half Fin Smith, who suffered a calf injury during his club’s 28-7 defeat against Leicester Tigers last Saturday.

The 24-year-old has established himself as England’s first-choice fly-half, having started all three Nations Championship fixtures during the summer against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina.

Smith was unable to participate in England’s latest training camp at Pennyhill Park, with Gloucester’s Charlie Atkinson drafted into the squad as cover.

Speaking on Tuesday, Borthwick confirmed that Smith had made positive progress in his recovery, although a decision on his availability for the Australia fixture is not expected until next week.

Should Smith be ruled out, Borthwick has two experienced alternatives in George Ford and Marcus Smith.

Ford brings considerable international experience and tactical control, having started England’s 25-7 victory against Australia at Twickenham in November 2025. Marcus Smith, meanwhile, offers a different attacking approach, with his running ability and creativity providing another option for the England coaching staff.

The decision could have significant implications for England’s attacking combinations, particularly given the limited preparation time available before the Wallabies fixture.

Guy Pepper Ruled Out of November Internationals

Bath flanker Guy Pepper has also been ruled out of England’s November Nations Championship fixtures after suffering an ankle injury against Gloucester last Friday.

The 23-year-old has become an increasingly important member of Borthwick’s squad, having started ten of England’s previous twelve international matches.

His absence leaves England with another selection decision in the back row, although Borthwick still has considerable depth available.

Tom Curry, Ben Earl and Henry Pollock are among those competing for starting places, while Ben Curry and Tom Pearson provide further options.

Pollock, in particular, could have an important role to play after continuing his impressive development with Northampton Saints.

His performances have made him one of English rugby’s most exciting emerging talents, although the competition for places means Borthwick faces some difficult decisions before naming his starting XV.

Benhard Janse van Rensburg Ruled Out Following Concussions

England’s midfield options have also suffered a setback, with Bristol Bears centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg ruled out of the November fixtures following two significant concussions in recent months.

The 29-year-old made his international debut against Fiji during the summer Nations Championship fixtures but has now been advised to undertake an extended period of non-contact training following specialist medical assessment.

Van Rensburg’s absence is another disappointment for Borthwick, who has been assessing his midfield combinations ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Gloucester centre Seb Atkinson is also recovering from a knee injury, although there is optimism that he could return to club action this weekend.

Meanwhile, Exeter Chiefs winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is progressing in his recovery from a hamstring problem and could also feature for his club before England’s preparations intensify.

Elsewhere, Bath hooker Kepu Tuipulotu is being assessed after suffering a leg injury during training, while Chandler Cunningham-South remains unavailable following ankle surgery.

With several players facing fitness assessments, Borthwick will be hoping to avoid further setbacks ahead of his final squad preparations.

Who Could Benefit from England’s Injury Problems?

Despite the growing injury list, England possess considerable squad depth, and several players could benefit from opportunities created by the absences.

Joe Marchant has returned to international contention following his move from Stade Français to Sale Sharks, receiving his first England call-up since the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The experienced centre could provide an alternative in midfield, particularly with Van Rensburg unavailable and Atkinson working towards full fitness.

Will Joseph is another player hoping to establish himself internationally, while Fraser Dingwall, Henry Slade and Max Ojomoh are competing for positions in England’s backline.

In the forwards, the absence of Pepper could offer further opportunities for Pollock, the Curry brothers and Pearson as Borthwick considers his preferred back-row combination.

The injuries are far from ideal, but they could give several members of England’s squad an opportunity to strengthen their claims for selection ahead of next year’s World Cup.

Australia Arrive at Twickenham Looking to Make Their Mark

England’s injury concerns come ahead of a challenging fixture against an Australian side determined to improve on their previous visit to Twickenham.

The Wallabies suffered a 25-7 defeat against England in November 2025, with tries from Ben Earl, Henry Pollock, Alex Mitchell and Luke Cowan-Dickie helping the hosts secure an impressive victory.

Australia have experienced mixed results during the inaugural Nations Championship, losing their opening two fixtures against Ireland and France before recording a convincing 57-10 victory against Italy in July.

Head Coach Les Kiss has named an experienced squad for the November internationals, with captain Harry Wilson joined by established players including Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.

Australia have also confirmed the return of 95-cap international Kurtley Beale, who has replaced Hunter Paisami in the touring squad. Beale has not represented the Wallabies since 2021 but could provide valuable experience across several backline positions.

England will therefore face a side with plenty of attacking talent, making Borthwick’s selection decisions particularly important ahead of the opening November fixture.

England Looking to Build Momentum Ahead of 2027 Rugby World Cup

England return to Nations Championship action having won two of their three fixtures during the summer.

Borthwick’s side opened the competition with a 45-21 defeat against South Africa before responding with an emphatic 73-8 victory over Fiji and a hard-fought 31-24 success against Argentina.

Those results left England third in the Northern Hemisphere standings, with ten points from their opening three matches.

The November fixtures will provide another important assessment of England’s progress, particularly with the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia approaching.

Borthwick has emphasised the significance of the upcoming internationals in shaping his squad for the tournament, with opportunities to face Southern Hemisphere opposition becoming increasingly limited before next year’s competition.

England’s immediate priority, however, will be overcoming their injury concerns and producing a strong performance against Australia at Twickenham.

With three home internationals and the Nations Championship Finals Weekend scheduled for November, England supporters have several opportunities to watch the side in action at Allianz Stadium, with official hospitality experiences available through Eventmasters.

England’s November Nations Championship Fixtures

England will play three home fixtures during November before participating in the inaugural Nations Championship Finals Weekend.

• England v Australia: Sunday 8th November 2026, 3:10pm
• England v Japan: Saturday 14th November 2026, 4:40pm
• England v New Zealand: Saturday 21st November 2026, 2:10pm
• Nations Championship Finals Weekend: Friday 27th to Sunday 29th November 2026

All three England home fixtures will take place at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, which will also host the competition’s Finals Weekend.

England Nations Championship FAQs

When are England playing Australia in the Nations Championship?

England face Australia on Sunday 8th November 2026 at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, with kick-off scheduled for 3:10pm. The fixture marks England’s return to Nations Championship action following the summer series.

Is Fin Smith injured for England’s match against Australia?

Fin Smith is currently recovering from a calf injury sustained while playing for Northampton Saints against Leicester Tigers. His availability remains uncertain, with a decision expected closer to the fixture.

Which England players have been ruled out of the November Nations Championship fixtures?

Guy Pepper and Benhard Janse van Rensburg have been ruled out of the November internationals. Chandler Cunningham-South is also unavailable through injury, while several other players are undergoing fitness assessments.

Who could replace Fin Smith at fly-half for England?

George Ford and Marcus Smith are the leading alternatives should Fin Smith be unavailable against Australia. Both have substantial international experience and offer different attacking options for Steve Borthwick.

Who will England face in the Nations Championship in November 2026?

England will play Australia, Japan and New Zealand at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, before taking part in the Nations Championship Finals Weekend between Friday 27th and Sunday 29th November 2026.