England have received a major boost ahead of next month’s Nations Championship, with Immanuel Feyi-Waboso expected to be fit after the Exeter winger returned to training following his recent injury scare.
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Credits: BBC Sport)
The 23-year-old limped off in the second half of Exeter’s win over Newcastle earlier this month and has missed the club’s past two matches, raising fears that he could be sidelined for England’s autumn campaign.
However, scans over the weekend brought good news. Feyi-Waboso has now returned to training and could even feature for Exeter in Saturday’s Premiership game against Harlequins, a clear sign that his recovery is progressing well.
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso Boost for England Coach Steve Borthwick
For England head coach Steve Borthwick, Feyi-Waboso’s availability would be a significant lift. Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter described him as an international-quality player and said it would be fantastic to have him available for selection.
Baxter added that everyone at the club is crossing their fingers that his progress continues at its current rate, a reflection of just how highly the winger is rated at both club and international level.
Feyi-Waboso has already shown his value in an England shirt. He missed this year’s Six Nations after injuring his hamstring in January, but he returned to play a key part in all three of England’s Nations Championship games over the summer, crossing for tries against Fiji and Argentina.
His club form this season underlines that threat. He has scored two tries in three Premiership matches for Exeter, combining pace, power and finishing ability on the wing. If he comes through Saturday’s game unscathed, Borthwick will have one of his most dangerous attacking weapons back in contention.
Tom Hooper Shoulder Injury Also Eases for Australia
Exeter also received encouraging news about Australia forward Tom Hooper, whose shoulder injury is not thought to be serious. The 25-year-old had to leave the field moments before half-time in Saturday’s defeat at Bristol, having fractured his scapula over the summer.
Baxter explained that Hooper took a hard bang directly on the fracture site, which caused pain, numbness and a temporary lack of mobility. Crucially, though, there has been no catastrophic damage, and Hooper will now be assessed day by day.
Like Feyi-Waboso, Hooper could be available for the Harlequins match, and he is expected to be fit to play for the Wallabies next month. Australia will face England, Scotland and Wales in the Nations Championship, so his fitness is good news for the tourists as well as for Exeter.
With both players trending in the right direction, Exeter and their international coaches will be hoping a quiet week of training turns into two welcome returns on Saturday.
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Source: BBC Sport — read the full story there.
