England centre Seb Atkinson has revealed that his early ambitions to play fly-half were quickly overshadowed by his long-time friend and current team-mate Fin Smith — the very player he will now partner in England’s crucial Six Nations clash against Italy national rugby union team this weekend.
Both 23 years old, Atkinson and Smith have been thrust into England’s starting line-up as head coach Steve Borthwick makes sweeping changes following a disappointing campaign that has seen defeats to Scotland and Ireland in two of their opening three fixtures.
From Academy Teammates to International Starters
The story of Atkinson and Smith stretches back more than a decade. The pair first linked up at the age of 13 within the Worcester Warriors academy system, forming a combination that would grow through youth rugby and into professional ranks.
Back then, Atkinson occupied the fly-half role — the same position Smith now holds for England. However, it didn’t take long for the pecking order to become clear.
“I was a fly-half at the time, which didn’t last long because Fin was better than me,” Atkinson admitted with a smile. The healthy rivalry forced him to expand his skill set and adapt his game, ultimately leading him to shift into the inside centre position.
That positional switch proved pivotal. Rather than fading into the background, Atkinson developed into a dynamic 12, adding ball-carrying power and defensive steel to his natural distribution abilities. Meanwhile, Smith refined his control of the game as a playmaker.
Their professional journeys briefly aligned in Worcester’s first team during the 2021-22 Premiership season. Atkinson made both his Premiership debut and first start outside Smith — a familiarity that offered reassurance during those formative matches.
Worcester Collapse and New Beginnings
The duo’s shared pathway was disrupted when Worcester Warriors entered administration in autumn 2022. The financial collapse forced players to seek opportunities elsewhere, scattering former teammates across the Premiership.
Atkinson joined Gloucester, where he continued to grow as a midfield presence, while Smith secured a move to Northampton Saints. Despite the separation, their relationship endured.
Atkinson describes Smith as approachable and communicative — qualities that will be essential as they attempt to ignite England’s attack in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico. With international rugby demanding split-second decisions and trust under pressure, pre-existing chemistry could offer a crucial advantage.
“You need to have those conversations before the game,” Atkinson explained. “That way, in the match, you subconsciously know what’s coming next.” The understanding between fly-half and inside centre is foundational in rugby union, dictating tempo, direction, and attacking shape.
A Calculated Selection Gamble
Borthwick acknowledged that the pair’s shared history influenced his decision. England’s backline selections have lacked continuity during this Six Nations campaign, and established Test combinations have been scarce.
By reuniting Atkinson and Smith, Borthwick hopes to create stability in a season marked by inconsistency. He praised Atkinson’s often overlooked qualities, describing him as a complete midfielder.
“He sees space and can deliver the ball into it,” Borthwick said, highlighting the centre’s distribution skills. Beyond that, Atkinson’s ability to carry strongly and cover ground offers England a dual threat — combining creativity with physicality.
The coach’s faith in the partnership comes at a critical moment. With England already having stumbled against Scotland national rugby union team and Ireland national rugby union team, the margin for error has evaporated. Victory in Rome is essential to keep slim title hopes alive and restore confidence.
Handling Pressure at the Highest Level
The scrutiny surrounding England rugby is relentless. Borthwick openly acknowledged the weight of expectation that accompanies the national jersey. However, he framed it as a privilege rather than a burden.
Drawing parallels with elite football management, Borthwick referenced conversations with Thomas Tuchel, who recently visited England’s training base. The former Premier League manager observed a session and exchanged insights about leadership, performance culture, and handling public pressure.
Borthwick suggested that managing expectations — whether in rugby or football — is an ongoing process. Lessons can be learned from how top-level football managers navigate turbulent periods and maintain belief within their squads.
The comparison underlines the intensity surrounding England’s Six Nations campaign. Defeats to Scotland and Ireland have heightened scrutiny, and the upcoming fixture against Italy represents both a test and an opportunity.
Trust and Composure in Rome
For Atkinson and Smith, the Rome encounter will be more than just another Test cap. It is a reunion of a partnership forged in adolescence and refined through professional adversity.
The inside centre’s candid admission that he was once eclipsed by Smith speaks volumes about humility and growth. Rather than resisting change, Atkinson embraced a new role and flourished within it.
That adaptability may now benefit England. The 10-12 axis is pivotal in unlocking defences, particularly against disciplined opposition. Their intuitive understanding — built over a decade — could bring fluidity to England’s backline.
Atkinson believes composure will be key. The Stadio Olimpico atmosphere can be hostile, and Italy will sense vulnerability after England’s recent struggles. Maintaining calm communication under pressure will be vital.
Opportunity Amid Adversity
England’s Six Nations ambitions hang in the balance. Wholesale changes carry risk, but they also signal intent. By backing youth and familiarity, Borthwick has opted for potential cohesion over experience.
For Atkinson and Smith, Saturday offers the chance to transform a long-standing friendship into a defining international partnership. If they can replicate the comfort and clarity of their Worcester days on the Test stage, England may rediscover the attacking rhythm that has eluded them.
The journey from academy hopefuls to national representatives has not been linear. It has included administrative collapse, positional reinvention, and renewed opportunity. Now, it reaches a new chapter under the spotlight of international rugby.
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