Fin Smith, 23-year-old Northampton fly-half, is still grappling with the disappointment of dropping out of England's pecking order this autumn. Despite retaining his spot in the team for the Six Nations victories over Scotland, Italy and Wales after a strong display against France in February, he found himself relegated to the bench behind George Ford and Marcus Smith in three of England's four autumn internationals.
This fall from favor has been particularly hard on Smith, who had high hopes of establishing himself as England's first-choice fly-half following his outstanding performance at the 2023 Rugby Championship. However, after touring with the British and Irish Lions over the summer, Ford edged him out for selection in key games against New Zealand and Australia.
"It was a tough few weeks mentally," Smith admitted to BBC Radio Northampton's Saints Show about the autumn. "You go in with such high expectations, having done well in the Six Nations and gone on the Lions tour, and then getting your head around a few of the selection things - it does sting."
While acknowledging that his performances did not justify him being kept out of the team, Smith is determined to keep working hard and prove himself once again. He credits the coaching staff for keeping him in the loop regarding selection decisions and believes that open communication has helped alleviate tensions.
"I always have my side of things and put my opinion forward, but he [Steve Borthwick] is ultimately the one who picks the team," Smith said. "It's not that I've played badly; it's just that sometimes people get an opportunity and take it - George absolutely did that, particularly in that All Blacks game."
Smith also expressed his appreciation for being part of the British and Irish Lions tour, citing the opportunity to mix with players he normally competes against as a highlight. He praised teammate James Ryan, who he found had a "nasty" but humorous side to him.
The experience, however, has not made Smith bitter about England's selection process. Instead, it has given him a newfound appreciation for the challenges of playing at this level and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.
This fall from favor has been particularly hard on Smith, who had high hopes of establishing himself as England's first-choice fly-half following his outstanding performance at the 2023 Rugby Championship. However, after touring with the British and Irish Lions over the summer, Ford edged him out for selection in key games against New Zealand and Australia.
"It was a tough few weeks mentally," Smith admitted to BBC Radio Northampton's Saints Show about the autumn. "You go in with such high expectations, having done well in the Six Nations and gone on the Lions tour, and then getting your head around a few of the selection things - it does sting."
While acknowledging that his performances did not justify him being kept out of the team, Smith is determined to keep working hard and prove himself once again. He credits the coaching staff for keeping him in the loop regarding selection decisions and believes that open communication has helped alleviate tensions.
"I always have my side of things and put my opinion forward, but he [Steve Borthwick] is ultimately the one who picks the team," Smith said. "It's not that I've played badly; it's just that sometimes people get an opportunity and take it - George absolutely did that, particularly in that All Blacks game."
Smith also expressed his appreciation for being part of the British and Irish Lions tour, citing the opportunity to mix with players he normally competes against as a highlight. He praised teammate James Ryan, who he found had a "nasty" but humorous side to him.
The experience, however, has not made Smith bitter about England's selection process. Instead, it has given him a newfound appreciation for the challenges of playing at this level and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.
UK rugby is going downhill fast... another talented player like Fin Smith getting dropped from the team 
. Poor lad's been working his socks off, thought he was gonna be England's number one fly-half after that sick performance at the Rugby Championship last year 
, but nope, George Ford steals the spot again 
. And let me tell you, this Lions tour has not done him any favors... going on a great team and then getting left out of the key games 
. Smith's all right about it though, just trying to stay positive and keep working hard 
, but man, this is some rough news for rugby fans 
.
... Fin Smith dropping out of the England pecking order? been saying it since he went on the Lions tour... Ford was always gonna come back stronger 
after that stellar performance against France in Feb. and now Smith's gotta deal with the aftermath 
, trying to regain his spot behind Ford and Marcus Smith. good luck with that 
just think about how mental it must be for Fin Smith to go from being first choice to bench warmer 
seems like coaches need 2 step up their game n give players more freedom 2 express themselves. we can't just keep expectin guys 2 be perfect all the time, it's about how they bounce back from setbacks 
he worked so hard 2b the best fly-half 4 england but didnt get the recognition 
idk wut happened with George Ford, tho... wasnt he supposed 2 b the new fave? 
. His selection record is 75% success rate, but only started games when it mattered most, like against France in Feb 
. Meanwhile, George Ford has a 42% chance of starting over Smith 
. But let's be real, the coaching staff is key here 
. Will Fin Smith bounce back? 