# England scrum-halves ruled out of Australia clash

> England's scrum-halves Alex Mitchell and Archie McParland miss Australia match due to injuries.
- Title: England scrum-halves ruled out of Australia clash | Shortify
- Summary: England's scrum-halves Alex Mitchell and Archie McParland miss Australia match due to injuries. England scrum-halves Alex Mitchell and Archie McParland are…
- Keywords: england, australia, scrum-halves, alex mitchell, archie mcparland, hamstring injury, calf problem, rugby, autumn internationals, fin smith, steve borthwick, northampton saints
- Source: The Rugby Paper — https://therugbypaper.co.uk/all/world/autumn-internationals/496738/england-scrum-halves-alex-mitchell-and-archie-mcparland-ruled-out-of-australia-clash
- Author: The Rugby Paper Team
- Published: 2026-11-03T10:30:26+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: england, australia, scrum-halves, alex mitchell, archie mcparland, hamstring injury, calf problem, rugby, autumn internationals, fin smith, steve borthwick, northampton saints
## Injury updates
Alex Mitchell's hamstring injury and Archie McParland's calf problem leave England short of scrum-half options.
## Replacement players
Ben Spencer and Harry Randall drafted in as scrum-half replacements for England.
## Mitchell's injury
Mitchell damaged his hamstring during Northampton Saints match against Gloucester on Saturday.
## McParland's issue
McParland missed training camp due to calf injury and is expected to recover for Japan or New Zealand matches.
## Fin Smith's race
Fin Smith faces fitness race to recover from calf strain for Australia match.
## Squad changes
Theo Dan replaces Kepueli Tuipulotu in forwards due to injury.
## Next fixtures
England face Australia next Sunday, followed by Japan and New Zealand matches.
## Coach statement
Steve Borthwick says Australia match is 'an exciting challenge' for England.
## Key takeaway

England scrum-halves Alex Mitchell and Archie McParland are ruled out of Australia clash due to hamstring injury and calf problem respectively.