England dealt hammer blow ahead of France clash as star back self-reports symptoms

England have been dealt a setback ahead of the final round of this year’s Six Nations after in-form wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso was ruled out of their clash with France.

The impressive 21-year-old Exeter Chiefs finisher will miss the away fixture against the French after self-reporting symptoms of concussion, it has been confirmed by England.

Feyi-Waboso sustained a head knock in the 23-22 win over Ireland and, while he finished the match, he later began to feel the effects of a possible concussion.

First start last weekend

He was a likely starter this weekend in Lyon after enjoying an impressive first start for England in the shock Six Nations triumph against Andy Farrell’s men at Twickenham.

“Manny felt a bit groggy, so he’s unfortunately ruled out of the game. We don’t take any risks with that sort of stuff,” attack coach Richard Wigglesworth told media on Tuesday.

England have confirmed that they will not replace Feyi-Waboso in their 36-man training squad, with Elliot Daly expected to be named on the wing against France on Saturday.

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“There was no major incident. He had a knock and didn’t feel quite right, so he reported the symptoms and then was removed accordingly,” coach Wigglesworth explained.

“He’s obviously gutted, but being the smart lad he is, he reported his symptoms. He did the right thing.

“It had been building for Manny. You have to integrate these players carefully and I think Steve did that well in how he exposed him to Test rugby so he was ready to fly.

Disappointing for him

“He played really well, got his hands on the ball and did what we asked him to do and brought his talents.

“It’s very disappointing for him as I know how desperate he was to play again and how much he enjoyed his first start.”

England head into the last weekend of the 2024 Six Nations in second position on the table, four points adrift of Ireland, who they need to slip up against Scotland in Dublin.

With Ireland playing earlier in the day on Super Saturday, Steve Borthwick’s side will know by kick-off time in Lyon whether they have a shot at winning the Championship.

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