England winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has been cleared to play ahead of the Nations Championship after fears a facial injury could rule him out of the tournament.
Save us to your Google Favourites for nonstop RUCK content!
Feyi-Waboso missed Exeter Chiefs’ final regular-season fixture and was later seen in the stands during their semi-final victory over Bath at The Rec.
Following the match, he was even targeted by a frustrated Bath supporter who threw a drink at him.
The winger has now been given the green light to feature in this weekend’s PREM Rugby final at Allianz Stadium, where Exeter will take on Northampton Saints as they chase their first Premiership title since 2020.
As an Elite Player Squad member, England have the final decision over whether he can play for his club. That approval has been granted, much to the satisfaction of Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter.
“Manny has been declared fit. So he had a full training week, and we’ll make that call probably by the end of today. He’s an international-quality player.
“And I think, well, the more players you have fit and available at this stage of the season who’ve played in big games and had big influences on games. But then that can only be a very positive thing for us.
Baxter explained that discussions over Feyi-Waboso’s availability were handled entirely by the medical teams and the player himself.
“I wasn’t involved in the conversation. It was our medical team, with the England medical team, and with Manny. So basically, all the information was put in front of him.
“It was a managed call. It’s not something I’ve had to be involved with. The call happened earlier in the week, and the decision was made. And we’ve gone from there,” Baxter said.
His availability is also a significant boost for England ahead of the Nations Championship, where they will take on South Africa, Fiji and Argentina across a three-week campaign. All three fixtures will be away from home, including the meeting with Fiji in Liverpool.
Exeter have also received positive news regarding fellow winger Campbell Ridl, who has been declared fit after suffering a knee knock in the semi-final win over Bath. Scans confirmed there was no serious injury.
Born in England but raised in South Africa by South African parents, Ridl has continued to develop impressively at Exeter and is now emerging as a potential future senior international.
Although a call-up this summer may come too soon, the promise shown by the 21-year-old suggests he is firmly on Steve Borthwick’s radar.
LATEST RUGBY NEWS
- Isa Nacewa: James Lowe’s Leinster exit will add ‘extra fire in the belly’ for URC Final
- Henry Pollock smashes Gallagher PREM record
- England team to face France: Benhard Janse van Rensburg debut confirmed
- Super Rugby Awards: Chiefs star Quinn Tupaea named Player of the Year
- Former All Blacks star captains side as Barbarians confirm squad to face Springboks
- Trophy unveiled for 2026 Nations Championship – It’s a thing of beauty
