Alex Mitchell, the England scrum-half, is set for an unexpected return to Northampton Saints’ matchday squad for the Prem final against Exeter Chiefs this Saturday at Allianz Stadium. Initially sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Mitchell’s potential availability marks a significant boost for both club and country.

The 29-year-old sustained a hamstring tear during an England training camp in Bagshot last month, raising doubts about his participation for the remainder of the domestic season. Phil Dowson, the club's director of rugby, expressed his frustration at the time, indicating Mitchell would likely miss the season's end.

Mitchell had previously faced a two-month absence after another hamstring injury during England’s Six Nations defeat against Ireland. Dowson stated, “There is a chance,” acknowledging the need to balance the squad while keeping Archie McParland as the starting No 9.

The news also brings relief to Steve Borthwick, the England head coach, who is finalizing his squad for the upcoming Nations Championship fixtures, beginning with a match against South Africa on July 4. Phil Morrow, England’s head of performance, met with Dowson to discuss the impact of Mitchell’s injury and the importance of managing player fitness during intense training camps.

George Furbank, Northampton’s captain, emphasized the need for the team to be aggressive and expressive in the final, aiming for their second Premier League title in three seasons. “We want to go out and just attack this game,” Furbank remarked, urging his teammates to avoid playing it safe.