[1] Atkinson's father played rugby for Tynedale RFC, Northumberland and had England Under-18 trials.
[10][11] Later that year he was a member of the junior squad that completed a grand slam during the 2021 Six Nations Under 20s Championship.
[12][13] In June 2022 Atkinson was called up by coach Eddie Jones to join a training camp with the senior England squad.
[15] He made his debut as a replacement in Tigers' 1 point defeat away to Bath on 11 November 2022.
[17] In February 2024 Atkinson started for England A scoring four points in a victory over Portugal.