Star England playmaker in doubt for Six Nations opener after training injury

Dylan Coetzee 30 Jan 2024 7:58 AM

England's Marcus Smith during the Rugby World Cup 2023 — Marcus Smith on a run for England.

England fly-half Marcus Smith is anxiously awaiting scans on a leg injury he picked up running during training, putting his involvement in the Six Nations opener against Italy in doubt.

Smith pulled up whilst running during a session in Girona where the Red Rose squad is preparing for their second Six Nations under the tutelage of Steve Borthwick.

Playmaker conundrum

The injury further complicates the fly-half situation after Owen Farrell made himself unavailable for selection before he signed a deal with Racing 92 from the start of next season.

The situation makes Smith’s injury very untimely as it is a great opportunity for the young flair-filled playmaker to stake a long-term claim for the England number 10 jersey.

Other fly-half options at Borthwick’s disposal include the experienced George Ford and in-form Northampton Saints youngster Fin Smith.

However, England assistant coach Richard Wigglesworth is hopeful that the situation is precautionary even after the Harlequins star left the training session on crutches to go for his scan.

“Hopefully it’s very precautionary, but if he is not (available) it would definitely be a blow for us,” he said.

“It wasn’t a big incident. He was just jogging, but he pulled up and happened to be right next to a physio by the sideline, so they walked off after that. All the usual stuff (medical assessments) will happen.”

With Farrell unavailable it has also led to leadership changes within the England ranks as the former captain’s Saracens team-mate Jamie George will lead the side during the 2024 campaign.

It all gets underway in Italy this weekend before Wales travel to Twickenham in Round Two. A gruelling trip to Murrayfield comes next before the tournament closes out away to Ireland and home to France in a tricky final two rounds.