England winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso could make a surprise return before the end of the Six Nations, according to his club manager. The 22-year-old Exeter back, who is also a medical student, has decided to forgo surgery on a dislocated shoulder he sustained before Christmas, opting instead for a conservative rehabilitation plan.
Following discussions between England and Exeter, Feyi-Waboso has chosen to take a non-surgical route to recovery. Exeter’s director of rugby, Rob Baxter, spoke about the decision and the progress the young player has made.
“He’s decided to go down the conservative rehab route rather than surgery, and we’re all hopeful that he can recover in time,” Baxter told BBC Radio Devon. “The next two or three weeks will be critical, and if things go well, there’s a possibility he could be back towards the end of the Six Nations.”
Feyi-Waboso has been a standout player for England since making his debut during last year’s Six Nations. In just eight appearances, he has already scored five tries, including two memorable scores against New Zealand last summer.
Positive Progress Despite the Injury
Baxter remained cautious about predicting Feyi-Waboso’s return date, highlighting that the recovery timeline will depend largely on how the winger’s shoulder responds to rehabilitation. “At the moment, he’s looking very good. He’s feeling strong, and he’s optimistic about the progress he’s making,” Baxter continued. “However, we’re taking it week by week, and we’ll assess his readiness based on how he feels, particularly when it comes to contact training.”
The club boss acknowledged that there were delays in addressing the injury, which has made it difficult to determine an exact timeline for Feyi-Waboso’s return. “The delay in getting the injury sorted has contributed to this uncertain situation, but he’s in a good place now,” Baxter added.
Challenges for England Out Wide
Feyi-Waboso’s potential return is an important boost for England, but the team has faced further setbacks in their backline. Just days after Feyi-Waboso’s injury update, winger Caden Murley was forced to withdraw from the England squad due to a foot injury. Murley had scored on his debut in the loss to Ireland, and his absence adds to the challenges for head coach Steve Borthwick as the Six Nations continues.
As England navigates a series of injuries to key players, Feyi-Waboso’s recovery will be closely monitored by both Exeter and England fans. Should he make a successful return, it would be a significant boost to the team’s attacking options.
