England are 'pretty optimistic' fly-half Fin Smith will be fit to face Australia in the Nations Championship after a key training session. Smith trained with the squad for the first time since injuring his calf in Northampton’s defeat to Leicester on October 24. Assistant coach Richard Wigglesworth confirmed Smith passed the session but noted final selection is pending.
Meanwhile, scrum-half Alex Mitchell will miss the entire autumn internationals due to a fourth hamstring injury of the year. Wigglesworth expressed disappointment, stressing the need to address recurring issues. England face Australia on November 8, followed by Japan on November 14 and New Zealand on November 21, all at Twickenham, before the Nations Championship finals weekend from November 27–29.
These matches are crucial preparations ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. The team also welcomed sprinter Amy Hunt to training, though no races were held to avoid injury risk.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing