England XV outing proves costly for Alex Dombrandt

Harlequins have confirmed that captain Alex Dombrandt is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering an ACL injury whilst playing for England XV on Friday night.

Dombrandt was a shining light in an otherwise disappointing season for the London club, and had forced his way back into the senior England reckoning.

The 29-year-old, who was last capped 12 months ago against the USA, was named in England’s training squad for the upcoming Nations Championship, but was left out of the final 36-player group following the injury against France XV in Vannes.

Harlequins say that the barnstorming No.8 will be assessed by a specialist in the coming days, before undergoing surgery and then beginning rehabilitation with the club’s medical team. He is expected to be sidelined for a prolonged period of the 2026/27 season.

Dombrandt scored 10 tries in 21 appearances last season, which culminated in him earning a clean sweep of awards at the club’s end of season dinner.

The club said: “Everyone at the club sends their very best wishes to Alex and will be doing everything to support him throughout each step of his recovery.”

Dombrandt’s misfortune opened the door for Exeter’s uncapped No.8 Greg Fisilau, who will now compete with Ben Earl and Henry Pollock, his opposite number and Player of the Match in Saturday’s Prem Final, for a place at the back of the pack.