Jack van Poortvliet ruled out of World Cup as England call up Alex Mitchell
The Leicester scrum half requires surgery after suffering a serious ankle injury in the win over Wales
Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
England scrum half Jack van Poortvliet has been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup, with Alex Mitchell called up as his replacement.
Van Poortvliet suffered an ankle injury against Wales at Twickenham on Saturday and requires surgery, ending his chances of appearing in France.
The young Leicester nine started every one of England’s games in the Six Nations earlier this year.
“It’s really bad luck for Jack, and we send him our very best wishes for a swift and successful recovery,” said England head coach Steve Borthwick.
Mitchell returns to the England fold after being cut from the World Cup training squad at the end of June.
The Northampton Saints scrum half appeared off the bench in the final four games of England’s Six Nations campaign, but Borthwick had opted for the experienced Ben Youngs and Danny Care to complement Van Poortvliet, 22, at this autumn’s tournament.
“We had Alex Mitchell in camp earlier in our preparation period, and Alex played in the Six Nations as well,” Borthwick said on Saturday evening after England’s victory over Wales. “He was involved in four of the five games during the Six Nations and I’ve asked all of these [standby] players to be ready to be the next man in.”
England await news on a possible suspension for captain Owen Farrell. The fly half faces a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday after his sending off at Twickenham, and is likely to miss England’s final two warm-up games against Ireland and Fiji at the very minimum.
Borthwick’s side begin their World Cup campaign against Argentina in Marseille on 9 September.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments