England and Harlequins number eight Alex Dombrandt is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious knee injury during England’s defeat to a France XV on Friday night.
The 29-year-old sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in the 35-19 loss, ending his hopes of featuring in England’s upcoming Nations Championship campaign before it had even begun.
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Dombrandt had originally been included in Steve Borthwick’s wider training squad but was omitted from the final 36-man group after picking up the injury.
Harlequins confirmed the severity of the setback in an official statement.
“Alex will be assessed by a specialist in the coming days, before undergoing surgery and then beginning rehabilitation with the club’s medical team.
“He is expected to be sidelined for a prolonged period of the 2026-27 season.”
The news is a huge blow for both club and country.
Dombrandt enjoyed another productive campaign despite Harlequins enduring a disappointing season, scoring 10 tries in 21 appearances as the London club finished ninth in the Premiership.
The influential back-row forward has been a key figure for Quins in recent years, captaining the side and consistently ranking among the Premiership’s most effective ball carriers and attacking forwards.
Harlequins will now have to begin the new season without their captain as he embarks on a lengthy rehabilitation process, while England are also deprived of one of their most experienced No. 8 options ahead of a demanding Nations Championship schedule.
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Brian Moore picks his England XV – with Henry Pollock in and 105-cap star out
Moore believes England are now entering the “final runway” before the 2027 Rugby World Cup, warning that Borthwick’s opportunity to experiment is quickly disappearing.
“His time for experimentation is closing, and he must balance taking risks against chasing wins and the confidence that gives a squad.”
Back three
15. George Furbank
14. Tommy Freeman
11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
Moore has gone for an exciting and attack-minded back three, favouring George Furbank’s creativity over Freddie Steward’s aerial prowess, while keeping faith with Tommy Freeman and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso to provide England’s cutting edge out wide.
On Furbank, he wrote:
“Although Freddie Steward’s solidity under the high ball would be welcome at Ellis Park, Furbank gives more options to unlock the Springboks out wide.”
Freeman also keeps his place, although Moore believes England must soon settle on his long-term position.
“At some point Borthwick is going to have to decide whether Freeman’s ability to make good things happen whenever he is on the ball should be limited to the edge or the centre of England’s back line.”
Meanwhile, Moore wants Feyi-Waboso to become one of England’s biggest attacking weapons.
“He should be encouraged to do more work as ‘wild-card carrier’ around the fringes of the breakdown.”
“His power and pace can unsettle defenders used to covering less dynamic ball-carriers.”
Centres
12. Tom Litchfield
13. Max Ojomoh
England’s midfield remains one of Moore’s biggest concerns. He believes Borthwick must finally settle on a centre partnership, backing Tom Litchfield and Max Ojomoh to be given an extended opportunity after impressive Premiership campaigns.
Moore wrote:
“The main one is the continuing merry-go-round that is the England centre partnership.”
He added:
“To… be only one year out from a World Cup and not have even one nailed-on selection is bewildering.”
On Ojomoh, he said:
“His promise deserves an extended series run.”
Explaining Litchfield’s inclusion, Moore added:
“Litchfield is coming off the back of an excellent club season; why not give him a run when you have Northampton team-mates Furbank, Freeman and Smith there.”
Half-backs
9. Alex Mitchell
10. Fin Smith
Moore has stuck with Northampton’s half-back pairing, believing continuity is crucial as England build towards the World Cup. He also feels Fin Smith should now be given every opportunity to establish himself as England’s long-term fly-half.
On Smith, Moore wrote:
“Unless Borthwick intends George Ford to lead England’s backs in Australia, it is preferable for Fin, and Marcus, Smith to get game time.”
Mitchell also gets the nod at scrum-half.
“Mitchell… has the edge over his clubmate Archie McParland when it comes to international experience.”
Moore added:
“Ben Spencer’s know-how is probably preferable for this specific fixture as cover.”
