England sweating on fitness of Marcus Smith for Six Nations opener against Italy

Smith was a leading contender to fill the vacant fly-half position left by Owen Farrell following his move from Saracens to French side Racing 92.

Published Jan 29

England fly-half Marcus Smith is awaiting scan results on a leg injury sustained in training just five days before the Guinness Six Nations’ opener against Italy.

Steve Borthwick’s squad are on a training camp in Girona and the England head coach is scheduled to announce his starting line-up on Thursday.

England’s Six Nations’ hopes would be given a huge blow if Smith is ruled out as fellow fly-half Owen Farrell is ineligible for selection following his move from Saracens to French side Racing 92 last week.

Harlequins fly-half Smith, centre, is hoping to start for England in the Six Nations in Owen Farrell's absence — Harlequins fly-half Smith, centre, is hoping to start for England in the Six Nations in Owen Farrell’s absence (Adam Davy/PA)

Farrell had already made himself unavailable for this season’s Six Nations in order to focus on his mental well-being and Smith was a leading contender to fill his boots.

Smith left England’s training camp on crutches and headed for a scan after his session had been cut short.

England attack coach Richard Wigglesworth told several national media outlets: “Hopefully it’s very precautionary, but if he is not (available) it would definitely be a blow for us.

“It wasn’t a big incident. He was just jogging, but he pulled up and happened to be right next to a physio by the sideline, so they walked off after that. All the usual stuff (medical assessments) will happen.”