Seb Atkinson: Focused on his decade-long relationship with England teammate Finn Smith

England center Seb Atkinson says his hopes of playing as a teenager have been thwarted by Finn Smith, the man who will line up off the field against Italy on Saturday.

The pair, both 23 years old, were drafted as part of a comprehensive shake-up for a team that lost two of their first three matches in the Six Nations.

Atkinson and Smith came through the Worcester Warriors academy and made brief first-team appearances together during the 2021-22 season.

“We started playing together when we were 13,” Atkinson said.

“I was a fly-half at the time, and it didn’t last long because Finn was better than me!

“I had to learn some other skills, which pushed me to 12.

“We went through the whole system together and I made my debut in the Premier League and my first game in the Premier League outside of it, which was very comforting.”

When Worcester moved into administration in the autumn of 2022, they both quickly chose a new club, with Atkinson moving to Gloucester and Smith signing for Northampton.

Atkinson says their relationship remains strong despite not being in the same club dressing room, and that will be something he relies on when they come under pressure at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico.

“He’s easy to talk to, he’s someone I know I can ask questions to, pick his brains and tell each other what our expectations of each other are,” Atkinson added.

“You have to have those conversations before the game so you know in the game you kind of subconsciously know what’s going to happen.

“Just having that kind of connection and a little bit of composure between you two is definitely a big thing, so hopefully that will give us a good chance.”

Head coach Steve Borthwick admitted the shared history of the 10s and 12s was a factor in the selection lacking in the Test and club groups, and added that Atkinson has a below-rated all-round game.

“He distributes the ball really well, he sees space and can get the ball into space,” Borthwick said.

“In addition, he is a threat and his running ability to cover ground is exceptional. He has multiple strengths.”