England handed fresh Six Nations concern after surgery blow

England scrum-half Alex Mitchell could face a race to be fit for the Six Nations after undergoing surgery on his troublesome hamstring.

The Northampton Saints No.9 recently travelled to Turku, Finland, to be operated on by specialist surgeon Lasse Lempainen, who confirmed that the procedure had been successful and Mitchell will now begin his rehabilitation.

No timeframe has been given for the 29-year-old’s return, but with the Six Nations beginning in February, any extended recovery would place his involvement in the opening rounds, or indeed the entire Championship, under doubt.

The priority, however, will be to ensure he is firing on all cylinders come the World Cup next year, where he will undoubtedly be part of Steve Borthwick’s squad if fit.

Mitchell has endured repeated hamstring problems throughout 2026, with his latest setback coming during Northampton’s victory over Gloucester last month and ruling him out of England’s entire Nations Championship campaign.

He had firmly established himself as Borthwick’s first-choice scrum-half before his injury problems intensified, with Jack van Poortvliet taking possession of the England No.9 jersey in his absence so far this autumn.

Mitchell has at least turned to a surgeon already familiar with England’s squad. Lempainen operated on Ben Curry in March following the Sale Sharks flanker’s own battle with recurring hamstring injuries.

Curry subsequently completed a lengthy rehabilitation and returned to Test rugby this month after more than a year in which injuries repeatedly interrupted his involvement with England.

Lempainen wrote on Instagram: “England international and Northampton Saints star Alex Mitchell underwent hamstring surgery in Turku, Finland.

“The surgery went well, and now the focus shifts to rehabilitation and a successful return to top-level rugby.

“Many thanks to Alex, Northampton Saints and England Rugby for the trust and excellent collaboration!

“Wishing Alex a smooth recovery and a strong comeback to the rugby pitch!”