Rugby fly-half Marcus Smith adds to England’s Six Nations injury worries
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Harlequins' English fly-half Marcus Smith making a break in the European Rugby Champions Cup pool match against French side Toulouse in Twickenham on Dec 17, 2023.
PHOTO: AFP
LONDON – England rugby fly-half Marcus Smith limped off during a training session on Jan 29 and could be sidelined for their Six Nations away opener against Italy at the weekend.
With fly-half Owen Farrell ineligible for selection after signing with French club Racing 92, Smith's absence would "definitely be a blow", England attack coach Richard Wigglesworth told the British media.
"It wasn't a big incident, that's why I was hoping it was nothing much. He was just jogging, but he pulled up and happened to be right next to a physio when he did it by the sideline."
Reports said the 24-year-old was later seen using crutches and was to undergo a scan.
England are already without centres Ollie Lawrence and Oscar Beard and hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie for the match in Rome on Saturday.
Coach Steve Borthwick could turn to George Ford at No. 10 if Smith is unable to make it, with the uncapped Fin Smith another option.
Borthwick is scheduled to announce his starting line-up on Thursday. REUTERS
