Alex Mitchell could make an unexpected return to Northampton Saints’ matchday squad for Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership final against Exeter Chiefs at Allianz Stadium. The England scrum-half, 29, had been sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained during an England training camp in Bagshot last month, which initially threatened to rule him out for the remainder of the domestic season.

Mitchell’s fitness for the final remains uncertain, with Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson confirming that the decision will be made by Friday morning following fitness assessments. Dowson emphasized the importance of managing playing time carefully if Mitchell is included. “We have to make sure we get the balance right so that if Alex does get involved he can do enough minutes to cover us off,” he said. Dowson had previously expressed frustration following the injury, noting it would be difficult for Mitchell to feature again this season.

This injury is the second recent hamstring setback for Mitchell, who missed two months earlier in the campaign after tearing the other hamstring during England’s Six Nations defeat to Ireland. His potential return is welcomed not only by the club but also by England head coach Steve Borthwick, who is preparing to announce the squad for the upcoming Nations Championship, which begins with a trip to Johannesburg to face South Africa on July 4.

England’s head of performance, Phil Morrow, visited Northampton to consult with the club’s medical and conditioning staff about Mitchell’s injury. Acknowledging the frustrations injuries cause across both club and country, Morrow noted that discussions focused on learning and improving management processes.

Northampton captain George Furbank, who will play his final game for the Saints before moving to Harlequins, has encouraged his teammates to maintain an attacking approach in the final. He cautioned against playing cautiously, saying, “We want to go out and just attack this game. Often in finals you can start to play within yourselves and play a bit safe. I don’t think we’re a good team when we do that.”

The Saints will likely name young scrum-half Archie McParland as their starting No. 9 if Mitchell is not deemed fully fit to start. Northampton, aiming for their second Premiership title in three seasons, face Exeter in what promises to be a highly competitive finale.