Seb Atkinson Reflects on Strong Bond with Fin Smith Ahead of Italy Clash
England centre Seb Atkinson shares insights into his decade-long relationship with Fin Smith, the fly-half he will partner with in the upcoming match against Italy on Saturday. The two 23-year-olds have experienced a whirlwind of changes this Six Nations, as they join a team that has struggled, losing two of its first three matches. The duo's journey began at the Worcester Warriors academy, where they both played together from the age of 13. Atkinson recalls, "I was a fly-half at the time, which didn't last long because Fin was better than me!" His transition to the centre position was driven by Smith's talent. They made their Premiership debuts together during the 2021-22 season, an experience that Atkinson describes as comforting. After Worcester's administration in autumn 2022, Atkinson joined Gloucester while Smith signed with Northampton. Despite their separation in club affiliations, Atkinson emphasizes the strength of their relationship, saying, "He's easy to talk to, someone who I know I can ask questions to and pick his brains." Atkinson believes their shared history will be crucial in maintaining composure under pressure at Rome's Stadio Olimpico. He highlights the importance of pre-game conversations to subconsciously align their expectations during the match. Head coach Steve Borthwick acknowledges their history as a significant factor in their selection, citing Atkinson's underrated skills as a distributor and his exceptional running ability, which will be vital as they face Italy.
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-03-03