Redemption is on the cards for Alex Mitchell as Northampton Saints' scrum-half looks set for a stunning return to action in Saturday's Premiership final against Exeter Chiefs. Just when it seemed like his season was over after suffering another hamstring injury during an England training camp last month, there's now a glimmer of hope that he'll be back on the pitch at Allianz Stadium.
The news has sent shockwaves of excitement through the Saints' camp and beyond, with Mitchell's club and country both breathing a collective sigh of relief. This 29-year-old maestro had already faced two months on the sidelines earlier in the season after tearing his other hamstring during England's Six Nations defeat to Ireland – talk about being on the naughty step! But now, Director of Rugby Phil Dowson is cautiously optimistic that Mitchell might just make it back for the big day. And while young Archie McParland remains favourite to start at number nine, this news has turned up the heat in a tantalising tale of two halves.
England head coach Steve Borthwick will be over the moon as he prepares to announce his squad next Monday for this summer's Nations Championship – and Mitchell's return couldn't have come at a better time. The intensity of national training camps can often lead to friction, especially when club players are still in trophy contention. But with England set to face South Africa on 4 July in their first match, the stakes will only get higher.
It seems Phil Morrow's conversation with Northampton's medical team has been a productive one, and both parties seem to be learning from this unfortunate situation – injuries are an occupational hazard in sport, after all. But what's clear is that Mitchell's return would be a shot in the arm for both his club and country.
Meanwhile, George Furbank has called on his teammates to go out with guns blazing as they chase their second Premiership title in three seasons – no holding back! "You can get caught playing it safe in finals," says Furbank. "But we're a team that thrives when we express ourselves and play the way we want to play."