England hooker Kepu Tuipulotu is a doubt for the upcoming Nations Championship campaign after sustaining a knee injury during national training on Tuesday. The uncapped 21-year-old, who joined Bath's academy in 2024 and signed a contract until 2028, had been tipped to make his England debut this autumn but will not be included in the squad for the opener against Australia on 8 November. His return timeframe remains unclear.
Tuipulotu, who was born in Wales and qualifies for both nations, previously trained with the Welsh senior side under Warren Gatland before committing to England. Meanwhile, scrum-half Archie McParland is also an injury concern and has been omitted from Northampton's squad to face Gloucester, while fly-half Fin Smith is a major doubt for the Wallabies fixture.
In positive news, Gloucester centre Seb Atkinson has been named at inside centre as he bids to prove his fitness. England also face Japan and New Zealand later in November before the Nations Championship finals weekend at the end of the month.
