ALEX DOMBRANDT FACES PROLONGED ABSENCE AFTER ACL INJURY

Alex Dombrandt, England's number eight, sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury during a non-Test summer warm-up match against a France XV on Friday. The Harlequins captain will undergo specialist assessment in the coming days before having surgery and beginning rehabilitation with the club's medical team. Dombrandt is expected to be sidelined for a prolonged period during the 2026-27 season. He had been named in England's training squad for the upcoming Nations Championship but was omitted from the final 36-man squad following the injury. England lost the match against France XV 35-19.

Dombrandt scored 10 tries in 21 appearances for Harlequins in the previous season. The London club finished ninth in the Premiership table during what the club described as a difficult campaign. His absence represents a significant loss for Harlequins as they prepare for the forthcoming season, with their captain set to miss substantial portions of the campaign whilst recovering from surgery and rehabilitation.

Dombrandt's injury removal from England's Nations Championship squad marks a setback for both club and country at the start of the international season. Harlequins will need to adjust their squad planning and leadership structure whilst he recovers. The exact duration of his absence will become clearer following his specialist assessment and surgical procedure.