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England call up Spencer and Randall as injuries hit
England have called up Ben Spencer and Harry Randall to their Nations Championship squad after injuries ruled out scrum-halves Alex Mitchell and Archie McParland for Sunday’s match against Australia. Mitchell has a hamstring problem and will be assessed after a scan, while McParland has a calf injury; the changes leave Jack van Poortvliet likely to remain first choice.
McParland could still be considered for the Japan and New Zealand Tests on 14 and 21 November. England also face uncertainty at fly-half, with Fin Smith managing a calf issue, while Theo Dan replaces injured hooker Kepu Tuipulotu. Will Joseph and Joe Marchant are included in a midfield selection that omits Bath’s Ollie Lawrence and Max Ojomoh.
In short
- Spencer and Randall join England’s squad after scrum-half injuries.
- Mitchell will have a scan on his hamstring.
- Fin Smith’s calf issue adds uncertainty at fly-half.
Explained simply
Scrum-halves link the forwards and backs, usually pass the ball from the base of a scrum or ruck, and help set the pace of an attack. England have several players who can fill the role, so injuries to Alex Mitchell and Archie McParland affect the team’s options and who may start.
Ben Spencer and Harry Randall have played scrum-half for England, alongside Jack van Poortvliet, who is expected to lead the position against Australia. The match is part of the Nations Championship, a series of international fixtures involving northern and southern hemisphere teams.
England’s November Tests also include matches against Japan and New Zealand. Injuries elsewhere in the squad, including at fly-half and hooker, can shape the team’s selection and preparation across those games.