England wing Feyi-Waboso a doubt for Wales game

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is an injury doubt for England’s Six Nations opener against Wales on Saturday after the wing finished Thursday’s training session prematurely because of a leg injury.

“Manny just pulled up at the very end,” defence coach Richard Wigglesworth told Rugby Union Weekly.

“His leg’s sore. There was nothing specific and he walked off, there was nothing much to it, but he did miss the last 60 seconds of training so we’re just waiting to investigate that a little bit more.”

Exeter Chiefs winger Feyi-Waboso was born in Cardiff and represented Wales at age-grade level, but is yet to face them at senior level.

The 23-year-old started all four of England’s autumn Tests and his potential withdrawal could prompt a significant reshuffle to the backline.

Tommy Freeman, who was named at 13, could revert to the wing where he has played the majority of his Test rugby, with Max Ojomoh an option to come into the centres.

A more simple swap would involve the versatile Elliot Daly replacing Feyi-Waboso on the wing.

Harlequins winger Cadan Murley is with England A preparing for a Friday fixture with Ireland’s second string, while Sale’s Tom Roebuck, another wing option, has been given an extra week to recover from a toe injury.

Feyi-Waboso was shortlisted for World Rugby’s Breakthrough Player of 2024 after a stunning campaign which included three tries against New Zealand, but his progress was slowed by a shoulder injury that ruled him out of last year’s Six Nations.

He made his return to rugby in an England A game against France, but earned a red card for a high shot on Antoine Hastoy in the 34th minute.

A subsequent two-match ban ruled him out of two Tests against Argentina in the summer, but England coach Steve Borthwick kept the 23-year-old as part of the squad anyway, giving him a start against the United States on the way home and illustrating the high esteem he is held in.

“Manny is really, really keen to be as good as he can be,” added Wigglesworth.

“if that’s your starting point, with the physical capabilities he has, then you’re going to go well.