England could be without a key flyhalf when they begin their Six Nations campaign against Wales next month.
Fin Smith has been sidelined by a calf injury and is in a race to be fit.
The flyhalf was withdrawn just hours before kick-off from the Northampton side that suffered a 50-28 Investec Champions Cup defeat at Bordeaux Begles on Sunday.
Smith is now awaiting the result of a scan that will indicate when he might return to action.
Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson has revealed the British & Irish Lions playmaker will be out for at least a fortnight, making it uncertain if he will be ready to face Wales at Twickenham on 7 February.
Veteran flyhalf George Ford started three of England’s four Tests in November, but Smith was given the No 10 jersey against Fiji and was on the bench for the opening 25-7 defeat of Australia.
“Fin Smith is dealing with a calf strain,” said Dowson. “We’re still waiting to see how long that is from a scan point of view.
“It’s probably minimum two weeks, but with a muscle injury it’s hard to give a timeline beyond that.
“It’s not months and months and he’s not going to be back this weekend, so somewhere in between that.”
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Calf problems are also troubling Northampton and England fullback George Furbank.
The Saints are wary of rushing Furbank’s return given he had a significant calf problem in 2025 and has not played since 20 December.
“George has felt some tightness in his calves,” said Dowson ahead of Sunday’s final Champions Cup pool match against Welsh side the Scarlets.
“I don’t think it’s major but at the same time with the history he’s had, we’re going to play it very, very conservatively and be pragmatic.
“That’s based on his injury record from last year and the different things that waylaid him.”
– AFP
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
The post England sweating on flyhalf’s fitness appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
England could be without a key flyhalf when they begin their Six Nations campaign against Wales next month.
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