England star left behind in South Africa after having emergency surgery

Sunday, 05 July 2026 at 11:21

byRugby Rucker

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was due to make his long-awaited international return against the Springboks at Ellis Park on Saturday, only to be withdrawn at the 11th hour.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.

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.

south africa v england 2026 nations championship 3

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - JULY 04: Kurt-Lee Arendse of South Africa scores his team's third try whilst under pressure from Marcus Smith of England during the 2026 Nations Championship match between South Africa and England at Ellis Park Stadium on July 04, 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Steve Haag - Nations Championship/Nations Championship via Getty Images)

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.

Tommy Freeman

England’s persistence with one of the world’s best wingers at outside centre continued to underwhelm.

Freeman was penalised inside the opening minute for failing to release, handing South Africa the platform from which they launched their devastating early assault.

There were flashes of attacking promise. He linked nicely with Seb Atkinson, distributed well after half-breaks and produced a powerful carry from a lineout in the build-up to England’s second try.

However, he never looked entirely comfortable in the midfield and was badly beaten by Cheslin Kolbe’s footwork before eventually being moved back to the wing.

His afternoon ended with a yellow card after catching Damian Willemse high.

south africa v england 2026 nations championship 5

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - JULY 04: Tommy Freeman, Ben Earl and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso of England appear dejected after conceding their teams fourth try during the 2026 Nations Championship match between South Africa and England at Ellis Park Stadium on July 04, 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by David Rogers - Nations Championship/Nations Championship via Getty Images)

We are still none the wiser as to whether Freeman can become a top-class international centre. There are no such doubts about his ability on the wing.

Replacement: Move Freeman to the wing and bring in Henry Slade

The experiment should end. Freeman should return to his strongest position, with the experienced Slade restored at outside centre.

Tom Curry

Curry worked tirelessly, making 16 tackles in just 55 minutes, but there were few standout moments from the Sale Sharks flanker.

Much of his work came at the ruck as England attempted to stop South Africa from slowing possession, yet he was unable to pose his usual threat at the breakdown.

He was penalised early in the second half under the new maul law after going beyond the ball and was also involved in the defensive lapse that allowed Grant Williams to score.

Curry eventually made way for Guy Pepper after 54 minutes.

The concern for England is that his season has provided growing evidence that the current Curry is not quite the destructive force of old.

Replacement: Henry Pollock

Pollock has been one of England’s most explosive forwards and deserves an opportunity from the start against Fiji. His pace, carrying and relentless energy could provide exactly the spark Borthwick’s back-row needs.

Jack van Poortvliet

A surprise starter ahead of Alex Mitchell, Van Poortvliet endured a frustrating afternoon.

His best moment came with a sharp snipe and superb offload to Finn Smith, helping England finally unlock the South African defence after falling 17-0 behind.

Unfortunately, that precision proved to be a one-off.

Too many early box kicks lacked effective chasers, while his service from the breakdown often lacked urgency as South Africa applied pressure.

He was also unfortunate to get a touch on the ball before Jamie George crossed, leaving the hooker offside and seeing the try ruled out.

An ambitious pass was then almost intercepted by Grant Williams shortly before half-time, before a soft knock-on preceded his departure after 54 minutes.

Replacement: Alex Mitchell

Mitchell should return to the starting XV against Fiji. His speed of service and ability to increase the tempo remain crucial to England’s attack.

Quiz: Name these 10 retro rugby players

From jaw-dropping tries to unforgettable moments (and yes, some questionable haircuts), these players defined a golden era of the game. If their names don’t instantly come to mind, we suggest a quick trip to YouTube to jog your memory. Trust us, it’s worth it.

Ready to test your knowledge? Let’s see if you’ve still got it. Good luck!

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