England lose their starting half for the summer tour of New Zealand and Japan

England Rugby have confirmed fly-half George Ford will miss this summer’s tour of Japan and New Zealand through injury.

The fly-half is recovering from a pre-existing Achilles injury and it has been agreed with Sale Sharks that the 31-year-old will not tour England this summer. England head coach Steve Borthwick is set to name his touring squad at lunchtime tomorrow, with Northampton Saints fly-half Fin Smith coming in full force alongside Harlequins’ Marcus Smith.

Owen Farrell retired from England duty ahead of his move to France this summer to join Racing 92, Ford was England’s first choice in the number 10 shirt during the Guinness Six Nations 2024. Looking ahead, Borthwick called on the creator Gloucester playmaker Charlie Atkinson to train with the national team over the past fortnight and could now be on tour as a third-choice option in the specialist role.

However, Borthwick may choose to go with just two 10s and rely on the likes of Northampton’s George Furbank or Bristol Bears’ Max Maxlins as cover-half. Both men are full-backs but ended their Premiership seasons playing at 10 due to injuries, with Furbank helping Saints beat Bath 25-21 in yesterday’s Gallagher Premiership final.

Borthwick said: “We are of course disappointed that George will not be with us in Japan and New Zealand, but following the advice of the specialist doctor and in consultation with George himself, we have decided that this is the best course of action.

“George is an important part of the England team and is a great professional who I know will sanitize himself diligently to ensure he is on his way as soon as possible.”

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