Scrum-half Alex Mitchell has been ruled out of the whole of England’s Nations Championship after suffering his fourth hamstring injury of the year.

The Northampton pivot limped out of his club’s Prem game with Gloucester last Saturday, and England confirmed he will play no part in the matches with Australia, Japan and New Zealand this month.

Meanwhile, fly-half Fin Smith took a limited part in training as he continues his recovery from a calf problem.

He took part, however, in running drills on arrival in camp, with England sources remaining optimistic about his chances of being fit for Sunday’s showdown with the Wallabies.

But the news around Mitchell had been expected ever since he withdrew in the first half of Northampton’s 28-14 victory over the Cherry and Whites.

The 29-year-old had already picked up three hamstring injuries through the course of 2026, and now faces a prolonged period out of action for club and country.

Tommy Freeman, Mitchell’s team-mate for club and country, said it was “gutting” news for his colleague but backed him to come back stronger.

“It will definitely give him time to go after his rehab and get to the bottom of what is going on, find new solutions and ways to maximise his recovery,” Saints wing Freeman said.

“You don’t want to see your mate and a player who is a massive part of this group out. He is going to be missed with his humour off the field and playing ability on it.”

Freeman said Smith is “pretty optimistic” about playing against the Wallabies and despite a reduced role in training is making up for it in other areas.

“He’s joining in with meetings and giving good points so he’s very much involved and that shows the character he is,” he added.

Bath’s Ben Spencer and Bristol Bears’ Harry Randall were called in as scrum-half options on Monday, with Leicester’s Jack van Poortvliet – who started all three of England’s summer Tests – the likely first-choice nine.

Northampton scrum-half Archie McParland, 21, was named in the initial training squad but has withdrawn with a calf injury.

Hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie and flanker Tom Curry both took part in modified training on Tuesday at England’s Bagshot base, but are expected to be fit for selection.

England boss Steve Borthwick will name his side to face Australia on Friday.