England centre Seb Atkinson has revealed how his decade-long relationship with fly-half Fin Smith began on the rugby pitch when they were just 13 years old. The pair, both 23, will line up together against Italy in Rome's Stadio Olimpico after being drafted into England's team following two Six Nations defeats.

Atkinson and Smith came through Worcester Warriors academy together before the club's 2022 administration forced them to separate - Atkinson to Gloucester and Smith to Northampton. Their shared history includes making Premiership debuts outside each other, with Atkinson initially playing fly-half before Smith's superior skills pushed him to inside centre.

Head coach Steve Borthwick highlighted their chemistry as a key factor in selection, praising Atkinson's underrated all-round game including distribution, spatial awareness, and exceptional running ability. The England camp has also welcomed Thomas Tuchel, who observed training and discussed the pressures of managing at the highest level. With England's Six Nations campaign faltering after losses to Scotland and Ireland, Borthwick emphasized that expectation and scrutiny are constants he embraces rather than fears.