Furbank out of South Africa Test with appendicitis

England full-back George Furbank has been ruled out of the Nations Championship opener against South Africa in Johannesburg on Saturday after being diagnosed with appendicitis. The 29-year-old was preparing for his first England appearance in nearly two years but fell ill on Friday evening.

Marcus Smith replaces him at full-back, with Henry Slade moving to the bench. Steve Borthwick's side face the world champion Springboks at 16:40 BST at Ellis Park.

Furbank's inclusion had been a major talking point after Thursday's team announcement. "George has had so many little setbacks that would test anybody's character, and he has come through it all," Borthwick said on Thursday.

This is another desperately unlucky setback for the 29-year-old, who has suffered arm, calf, knee and concussion injuries since his last England cap in November 2024. "It feels like a significant blow to England's attacking prospects and the leadership a Premiership-winning captain brings to the backfield," said former England fly-half Paul Grayson.

Furbank impressed at full-back throughout 2024 but was hit by a series of injuries after his most recent appearance against Japan in November. He returned to top form at the end of the Premiership season, leading Northampton to the title before a summer move to Harlequins.