Big blow for Saints as scrum-half Alex Mitchell undergoes surgery on hamstring issue

Saints scrum-half Alex Mitchell has undergone surgery on the hamstring injury that ruled him out of England’s autumn fixtures, writes TOM VICKERS.

Mitchell suffered the problem while playing for Saints in their Gallagher PREM win against Gloucester at DPD Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens on October 31.

He had to come off to be replaced by Jonny Weimann in the 21st minute of the match and consequently had to be left out of England’s squad for their November Nations Championship matches.

It is the fourth hamstring injury Mitchell has been hit by during 2026.

And he has now had an operation in Finland in an attempt to rectify the problem, with specialist surgeon Lasse Lempainen confirming that the procedure had been successful and Mitchell will now begin his rehabilitation.

Lempainen, who operated on Ben Curry in March as the England flanker also battled hamstring problems, wrote on Instagram: “England international and Northampton Saints star Alex Mitchell underwent hamstring surgery in Turku, Finland.

“The surgery went well, and now the focus shifts to rehabilitation and a successful return to top-level rugby.

“Many thanks to Alex, Northampton Saints and England Rugby for the trust and excellent collaboration!

“Wishing Alex a smooth recovery and a strong comeback to the rugby pitch!”

Saints will now hope for a speedy recovery for Mitchell as they battle a series of injuries at scrum-half.

Jonny Weimann skippered the black, green and gold in their PREM Rugby Cup win against Leicester Tigers last weekend, but he had to come off after just 28 minutes due to injury.

Archie McParland missed Saints’ recent win against Gloucester due to calf problem, but he returned to the England squad this week.

Another Saints scrum-half, Aidan Pugh, has also been on the club’s injured list of late, leaving Sonny Goode, who shone as a replacement against Leicester, as the one Saints scrum-half who has so far managed to avoid injury issues.