Alex Mitchell ruled out of England’s November Tests

England scrumhalf Alex Mitchell will miss the team’s four November Tests after a scan confirmed a hamstring injury sustained while playing for Northampton against Gloucester. The injury is reported to be his fourth hamstring problem of 2026, leaving coach Steve Borthwick without a player expected to feature throughout the autumn campaign. Mitchell was injured during Northampton’s 28-14 win over Gloucester. He underwent a scan on Monday, which confirmed the extent of the injury, according to reports. England are due to play Australia, Japan and New Zealand during November before the Nations Championship finals weekend later in the month. Jack van Poortvliet is expected to start at scrumhalf against Australia, with Ben Spencer and Harry Randall competing for a place on the bench. Van Poortvliet started in the position during England’s summer matches while Mitchell had limited playing time, and is now in line to take over again. England’s flyhalf selection also depends on Fin Smith’s fitness. Smith is being assessed for a calf injury and missed Northampton’s match against Gloucester. Borthwick is expected to give him until Wednesday to demonstrate that he can play against...