Alex Mitchell has been called up to replace injured scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet in England’s World Cup squad.
Van Poortvliet limped off in the first half of England’s Summer Nations Series win against Wales, and requires surgery on a serious ankle injury that knocks him out of what would been his first World Cup.
Mitchell, who has five caps, will join veterans Ben Youngs and Danny Care in the squad.
“It’s really bad luck for Jack, and we send him our very best wishes for a swift and successful recovery,” said Borthwick.
The injury is a massive blow for England, with Van Poortvliet establishing himself as Borthwick’s starting scrum-half during the 2023 Guinness Six Nations.
The 22-year-old already has 14 caps to his name and was the favourite to start their opening game against Argentina next month.
Borthwick is not lacking options to replace him. Youngs is England’s record men’s cap-holder, while Care is set to play in his third World Cup.
