England star George Furbank has been left behind in South Africa after undergoing emergency surgery for appendicitis.
The Northampton Saints full-back was due to make his long-awaited international return against the Springboks at Ellis Park on Saturday, only to be withdrawn at the 11th hour.
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Furbank began suffering symptoms after England’s captain’s run in Johannesburg on Friday and was taken to hospital later that evening with abdominal pain.
The 29-year-old underwent surgery on Saturday morning and remained in hospital recovering while his England team-mates faced South Africa.
England boss Steve Borthwick confirmed: “He went into hospital on Friday evening with abdominal pain, he had surgery this morning on his appendix and he is still in hospital recovering.
“I spoke with him earlier, he is gutted and he will miss the next couple of weeks. He will be delayed in South Africa to fly back at a later date.”
Furbank will now remain in South Africa until he is considered well enough to travel, while England continue their Nations Championship campaign against Fiji in Liverpool next weekend.
What are the symptoms of appendicitis?
Appendicitis is a painful swelling of the appendix and usually requires urgent treatment in hospital.
According to the NHS, the condition often begins with pain in the middle of the abdomen, which may come and go before moving to the lower right-hand side and becoming more severe.
The pain can worsen when moving, coughing or pressing on the affected area.
Other symptoms can include feeling sick, loss of appetite, a high temperature, constipation or diarrhoea.
Not everyone experiences the same symptoms, however, which can sometimes make appendicitis difficult to identify immediately.
The condition requires urgent medical attention because, if left untreated, the appendix can burst and cause serious infection inside the abdomen.
Surgery to remove the appendix is the standard treatment, with most people recovering within one to two weeks. Recovery can take longer if there are complications or if open surgery is required rather than keyhole surgery.
For Furbank, the setback is another cruel blow after a difficult run with injuries.
He had been set to make his first England appearance since 2024 after battling back from a broken arm and concussion issues, only for his return to be halted just hours before kick-off.
Marcus Smith was promoted from the bench to start at full-back against the Springboks, with Henry Slade added to the replacements.
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Four England players who flopped against Springboks – and who should replace them
With Fiji up next at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool, changes could now be on the cards.
Here are four England players who struggled against the Springboks – and who should replace them.
Marcus Smith
Thrown into the starting XV at the 11th hour after George Furbank was ruled out with appendicitis, Smith once again found himself deployed in the more unfamiliar full-back role.
There appeared to be an alarming lack of communication in England’s back three early on, with high balls allowed to bounce and South Africa immediately putting the visitors under huge pressure.
Smith’s one-on-one defence was then exposed by Kurt-Lee Arendse for the Springboks’ third try, with the diminutive playmaker unable to bundle the winger into touch.
There were some brighter moments. His pass resulted in Arendse deliberately knocking the ball on and receiving a yellow card, while Smith added value when stepping up as a first receiver.
However, he was largely anonymous after the break and was caught biting in defensively in the build-up to Jesse Kriel’s try.
Smith remains a world-class fly-half, but England’s continued attempts to turn him into an international full-back remain unconvincing.
Replacement: Freddie Steward
If fit, Steward should return at full-back against Fiji. England need greater security under the high ball and a more natural presence in the No.15 shirt.
