England star ‘close’ to injury return as Prem boss reveals ‘dispensation’ for Test flyer
England's Henry Slade (front left) with an inset of Rob Baxter (right)
Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter has confirmed star centre Henry Slade is in line to feature in the early stages of the Prem season, while Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is also set to return to the Chiefs match-day squad after requesting ‘dispensation’ for him to play.
The pair both featured on England’s summer tour of the Americas, but Slade suffered a hand injury in the Test One victory over Argentina, while Feyi-Waboso also made a competitive return to the field in their win over the USA.
Both men are likely to be important cogs within the England Test side this season, after they were handed enhanced EPS contracts last month.
‘It’s pretty close’
Slade’s injury was a real cause for concern this summer, with the centre withdrawing from the tour altogether as a result, but it seems he is now edging closer to a return to action.
“It’s pretty close,” Baxter said of Slade’s injury. “He’s on course to be available for full training next week.”
The England midfielder is also one of several Exeter backs nearing a return to full fitness ahead of the new campaign, with Baxter also detailing the likes of Will Rigg, Olly Woodburn and Josh Hodge are in line to play a part in their early season.
“We’re in the end stage of rehab for a number of guys, and the ones we most need are in the backs. On the whole, they’re getting closer; like Sladey, Olly Woodburn, Will Rigg, those guys are getting close now to being fully fit and able to play. That should be happening in the next week or so.
“Hodgey is fairly close to being back as well.”
Their returns all come at a good time too, with Exeter previously confirming Tamati Tua will miss the early stages of the season through injury. Tommy Wyatt is also currently sidelined with a knee injury picked up at the backend of last season.
‘He will be available pre-Northampton’
Elsewhere, the Devonians also look set to have Feyi-Waboso back available earlier than expected, with the director of rugby detailing he has requested special dispensation to get him back involved during the Prem Cup.
“Manny is fully fit,” he confirmed. “We’ve requested some dispensation (for Feyi-Waboso) so we can get him playing in some of the Prem Cup, and he will be available pre-Northampton (opening Prem fixture).
“It’s purely on game involvement; he’s pretty much played one game of rugby since before Christmas. Everyone is pretty happy for him to have some involvement.”
The winger endured a torrid campaign last time out, with a shoulder injury picked up before December and complications with his surgery seeing his British and Irish Lions hopes dashed. He did later return to action for England XV against France A, but was sent off after 30 minutes. After serving a ban, he returned to play the USA in England’s final Test of the tour.
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