In a major blow to England’s Six Nations title hopes, star winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has been ruled out of the entire tournament after finally undergoing surgery on a dislocated shoulder. The 22-year-old sensation, who burst onto the international scene last year with five tries in his first eight Tests, sustained the injury back in December.
However, the path to treatment was far from straightforward. Feyi-Waboso’s club Exeter Chiefs initially booked him in for surgery, before director of rugby Rob Baxter revealed the speedster was deliberating between going under the knife immediately or attempting to rehab the injury to feature in the Six Nations.
Borthwick’s “Final Say” Adds to Confusion
England head coach Steve Borthwick then declared in mid-January that Feyi-Waboso had opted for surgery after all. But in another twist, it emerged that the winger had changed his mind again, hoping to recover in time for the business end of the Six Nations. This see-sawing saga has shone a light on the new professional game partnership agreement, which affords Borthwick greater control over the 17 players on recently-awarded enhanced central contracts – of which Feyi-Waboso is one.
He has barely started his rehab process really, because the to-ing and fro-ing over whether he has an operation or goes for rehab is probably slowing both options down.
Rob Baxter, Exeter Chiefs Director of Rugby, January 2025
Lions Tour Hopes Hang in the Balance
Having now confirmed his surgery via social media, Feyi-Waboso faces a race against time to stake his claim for a spot on the British & Irish Lions tour to Australia this summer. With the Lions squad expected to be named in late April and the Premiership regular season climaxing in May, the explosive winger has a window of just three and a half months to return to action for Exeter and prove his form and fitness to Lions coach Andy Farrell.
While competition for back-three berths will be fierce, Feyi-Waboso’s scintillating international form pre-injury had marked him out as a potential bolter for the touring party. His club will now be desperately hoping he can recover in time to spearhead their playoff push, with the Chiefs currently languishing in 9th place in the Premiership table and in danger of missing out on the post-season for the first time since 2015.
For Borthwick and England, it’s an undoubted setback as they seek to recapture the Six Nations crown. The Red Rose have made an inconsistent start to the tournament, slumping to a chastening defeat away to Scotland before rallying to edge past Italy at Twickenham. Feyi-Waboso’s game-breaking pace and finishing prowess would have been a valuable asset as they prepare for pivotal clashes with Ireland, France and Wales.
The coming weeks will determine whether one of English rugby’s brightest young talents can defy the odds and force his way back into Lions contention. For now though, both player and country must plan for a Six Nations campaign shorn of a potential match-winner.
