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Full-back George Farbank has been ruled out of England’s Nations Championship opener against South Africa in Johannesburg on Saturday with appendicitis.
Furbank, 29, was preparing for that First England match in almost two years Friday evening before becoming ill.
England are yet to confirm who will replace him, with Marcus Smith likely to come into the first XV.
Steve Borthwick’s side face the world champions Springboks at 16:40 BST at Johannesburg’s iconic Ellis Park.
Farbank’s inclusion was one of the main talking points from Thursday’s team announcement.
“George Farbank has had a lot of little setbacks that will really test someone’s character and determination and he’s come through it all,” head coach Steve Borthwick said on Thursday.
With that in mind, this is yet another fatally unfortunate blow for the 29-year-old, who has been plagued by arm, calf, knee and concussions since his most recent England appearance in November 2024.
Former England fly-half Paul Grayson said, “It looks like a significant boost to England’s attacking potential, as well as the leadership a love-winning captain brings to the backfield.”
Furbank dominated at full-back throughout 2024, but has suffered a string of injuries since his most recent appearance against Japan in November of that year.
However, he returned to top form last season, leading Northampton to the league title before a summer switch to Harlequins.
