Furbank Withdrawn from South Africa Test with Appendicitis
Full-back George Furbank has been ruled out of England's Nations Championship opener against South Africa in Johannesburg on Saturday due to appendicitis.
The 29-year-old, who was preparing for his first England appearance in nearly two years, fell ill on Friday evening, forcing a late change to the squad.
Marcus Smith has been named to replace Furbank at full-back (number 15), with Henry Slade moving onto the bench.
England, coached by Steve Borthwick, will face the reigning world champions, the Springboks, at 16:40 BST at the iconic Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg.
Furbank's Return and Setbacks
Furbank's selection had been a key talking point following Thursday's team announcement.
"George Furbank has had so many little setbacks that would really test anybody's character and resolve and he has come through it all,"
head coach Steve Borthwick said on Thursday.
Despite overcoming multiple injuries including arm, calf, knee, and concussion issues since his last England appearance in November 2024, this appendicitis represents another unfortunate setback for the player.
"It feels like a significant blow to England's attacking prospects, as well as the leadership a Prem-winning captain brings to the backfield,"
commented former England fly-half Paul Grayson.
Throughout 2024, Furbank had impressed at full-back but was hampered by a series of injuries after his last international match against Japan in November 2024.
He returned to form towards the end of the Premiership season, leading Northampton to the league title before transferring to Harlequins during the summer.
England Team for the Match
England's starting lineup for the match is as follows:
Smith; Feyi-Waboso, Freeman, Atkinson, Murley; F Smith, Van Poortvliet; Genge, George, Heyes, Coles, Martin, Chessum, Curry, Earl
Replacements include:
Cowan-Dickie, Obano, Opoku-Fordjour, Ewels, Pepper, Pollock, Mitchell, Slade
