By Sohaib Shams
England scrum-half Alex Mitchell has been ruled out of the entire Nations Championship after suffering his fourth hamstring injury of the year.
Injury confirmed after club match
Mitchell limped off during Northampton's Premiership victory over Gloucester last Saturday. England confirmed on Monday that the 29-year-old will play no part in the upcoming matches against Australia, Japan, and New Zealand.
Fin Smith progressing
Fly-half Fin Smith took part in limited training as he continues his recovery from a calf problem. England sources remain optimistic about his chances of being fit for Sunday's opener against the Wallabies.
Replacements called up
Bath's Ben Spencer and Bristol's Harry Randall have been added to the squad as scrum-half options. Leicester's Jack van Poortvliet, who started all three of England's summer Tests, is the likely first-choice number nine. Northampton's Archie McParland withdrew from the initial training squad with a calf injury.
Other injury updates
Hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie and flanker Tom Curry participated in modified training at England's Bagshot base but are expected to be available for selection. Head coach Steve Borthwick will announce his team for the Australia match on Friday.
