England rocked by huge blow ahead of South Africa clash

England have been dealt a huge blow ahead of their clash with South Africa with George Furbank ruled out.

Furbank had been due to start at full-back in his first international appearance since 2024 after a wretched run of injuries.

But the 29-year-old, who led Northampton Saints to the Gallagher Prem title, has been dealt another setback after being rushed to hospital with appendicitis ahead of the game at Ellis Park.

Furbank is understood to have begun suffering symptoms after England’s captain’s run in Johannesburg, and has been ruled out of the encounter.

With Freddie Steward – England’s other specialist full-back on tour – nursing an ankle injury, Marcus Smith is promoted into the starting side from the bench. Henry Slade comes in.

It is a significant blow for Steve Borthwick and his side, with Furbank seen as a key figure in their attacking plans this summer.

The Harlequins-bound playmaker broke his arm at the end of 2024 before enduring a heavily-disrupted 2025 due to recurring calf and knee injuries. While included in the squad, he missed he Six Nations with Furbank not featuring in England’s worst-ever championship campaign.

Borthwick’s team take on the Springboks looking to end a four-match losing run as they begin a gruelling Nations Championship itinerary. England also face Fiji (at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium) and Argentina in Santiago del Estero this July.

South Africa have had their own late chaos to contend with as captain Siya Kolisi and lock Eben Etzebeth are ruled out.