Fin Smith has been replaced in England’s training squad due to injury.

The Northampton Saints fly-half remains with the group at Pennyhill Park for a three-day training camp ahead of the Nations Championship.

However, he has been replaced in the squad by Gloucester’s Charlie Atkinson.

An update on the full extent of Smith’s injury is expected in the coming days. For now, he will remain with the squad in a rehabilitation capacity.

It is not yet clear whether the injury will rule him out of the Nations Championship.

Smith joins Seb Atkinson, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Guy Pepper on England’s rehabilitation list, while Chandler Cunningham-South and Benhard Janse van Rensburg are also sidelined with longer-term injuries.

His absence would be a major blow for Steve Borthwick, who has placed considerable faith in the talented fly-half.

It would also leave England facing a selection dilemma between Marcus Smith and George Ford.

Atkinson has one senior England cap, earned against the USA in 2025.

He also featured three times for England A last year and is widely regarded as the established fourth-choice fly-half behind Fin Smith, Marcus Smith and Ford.

The 25-year-old has impressed for Gloucester over the past couple of seasons and remains a player with plenty of potential.

Atkinson joined Wasps in 2020, making a name for himself with his ability to beat defenders, score tries and put in strong defensive performances.

Following the club’s collapse in 2022, he moved to Leicester Tigers, where he made 24 appearances before joining Gloucester in December 2023.

He marked his Gloucester debut with a try against Sale Sharks and helped the club reach the 2024 Challenge Cup final.

Atkinson subsequently signed contract extensions in January 2025 and September 2026, committing his future to the Cherry and Whites until 2029.

RUCK first reported his latest contract extension exclusively before the deal was officially confirmed at the end of September.

At international level, Atkinson helped England’s Under-20s win the 2021 Six Nations Grand Slam before making his senior debut against the USA in July 2025.

England begin their Nations Championship campaign against Australia at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on Sunday 8 November in Round 4, before facing Japan and New Zealand.

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