Grim Immanuel Feyi-Waboso update leaves British & Irish Lions hopes in tatters
England flyer Immanuel Feyi-Waboso in action against Australia.
England and Exeter Chiefs flyer Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s chances of representing the British & Irish Lions later this year are hanging by a thread after it was confirmed he will be out of action for at least three months.
The 22-year-old has been on the sidelines since the start of 2025 with a shoulder injury he sustained while in action for Exeter in a Premiership clash against Sale Sharks late last year.
Nominated for World Rugby’s Breakthrough Player of the Year award
Feyi-Waboso, who was amongst the nominees for World Rugby’s Breakthrough Player of the Year award in 2024, has enjoyed a fine start to his Test career as he has already scored five tries for England in 10 appearances, but his injury has ruled him out of the Six Nations.
“Exeter Chiefs and England winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso will spend a couple of months on the sidelines having elected to have surgery on a shoulder injury,” read a statement on the Premiership club’s official website.
“The breakout international player – who is on one of England Rugby’s enhanced EPS contracts – suffered a shoulder dislocation in Chiefs’ Gallagher Premiership match against Sale Sharks in December 2024.
“Having consulted the medical teams at England and Exeter Chiefs, Feyi-Waboso originally attempted to rehabilitate the injury. However, he suffered a reinjury of the issue in England camp recently and has now elected to undergo surgery.
“Feyi-Waboso will now enter a recovery period, expected to be a minimum of 12-14 weeks.
“Everyone at Exeter Chiefs wishes him the very best in his recovery.”
Chose England above Wales
Feyi-Waboso hit the headlines last year when he opted to play for England at international level despite being born and raised in Cardiff and after representing Wales at U18 level.
He was eligible for the Red Rose due to his English grandmother, who lives in Gloucester.
After playing for Exeter Chiefs, Feyi-Waboso eventually made his Test debut in a narrow Six Nations victory against Italy in Rome last year.
Feyi-Waboso was initially part of the Cardiff academy but was unable to continue his medical studies in Wales and therefore moved to the Premiership, signing with Wasps.
After the demise of the Midlanders, he joined Exeter and impressed since linking up with the Devon-based outfit, before being called up to England head coach Steve Borthwick’s squad last year.
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