England Star Fin Smith Reveals Mental Toll of Autumn Selection Setback

Northampton fly-half Fin Smith has opened up about the significant mental challenges he faced this autumn, navigating a shift in England’s hierarchy despite a strong earlier showing. Millenium TV has learned that the 23-year-old found the experience “tough” as he grappled with selection decisions.

After securing the number 10 jersey for England’s impressive Six Nations campaign, which included a crucial victory over France, Smith’s role diminished during the recent international series. George Ford was often preferred to start in three of England’s four autumn internationals, with Marcus Smith providing versatile cover from the bench.

“It was a tough few weeks mentally,” Smith revealed when discussing the autumn period. He added that going into the series with high expectations after the Six Nations and a British & Irish Lions tour, only to face selection disappointments, “does sting.”

The talented playmaker expressed his deep connection to the national jersey, stating, “I have absolutely loved how good it feels to wear the England 10 shirt; having that taken away from you does hurt.”

England assistant coach Kevin Sinfield previously acknowledged the inherent difficulty of satisfying all three key fly-halves in the squad, noting that “there is always someone who is a little disgruntled, who has maybe has a little bit of frustration.” Smith confirmed that communication with the coaching staff remains consistent and frank.

“[Head coach] Steve [Borthwick] always has a meeting with you to tell you where you are at with selection and why he has gone with what he has,” Smith explained. While he presents his own views and opinions, he understands that the head coach ultimately makes the final decisions.

Smith reflected on the situation, clarifying that his performances weren’t necessarily poor. “It is not that I have played badly, it is just that sometimes in sport people get an opportunity and take it – George absolutely did that, particularly in that All Blacks game.” He admitted it was challenging to question selection after such a compelling performance from a competitor but affirmed, “I still absolutely believe in myself so I just have to keep at it.”

Beyond England duties, Smith also expressed frustration over his own displays during the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia. Despite starting the pre-tour fixture against Argentina, he felt he didn’t sufficiently challenge first-choice Finn Russell for the starting spot, with Marcus Smith and Owen Farrell often favoured during the Test series.

Despite personal performance frustrations, the tour held immense significance for Smith, whose maternal grandfather, Tom Elliot, toured South Africa with the Lions in 1955. He cherished the opportunity to connect with players he typically faces as opponents, highlighting the unique camaraderie of the Lions squad.

Twelve Leinster players were part of the initial 38-man Lions squad, alongside four from Northampton – Smith, Tommy Freeman, Henry Pollock, and Alex Mitchell – who had recently defeated Leinster in the Champions Cup semi-finals. Smith described the tour as an “amazing” life experience, full of memorable moments and new acquaintances.

He particularly highlighted his surprising bond with Leinster second-row James Ryan. “I thought James Ryan was going to be very different to me. Playing against him he is a bit nasty, but he is an [Northampton and England second row] Alex Coles prototype – both very intelligent, very dry sense of humour, very funny. I got on with him very well,” Smith elaborated.

While the Saints’ victory over Leinster was largely unmentioned by the players, Northampton coach Richard Wigglesworth frequently brought it up, finding it “hilarious,” a reminder Smith “didn’t mind too much.”