Exeter Chiefs face injury setbacks

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s recovery from a dislocated shoulder has been delayed by ongoing discussions between England Rugby and Exeter Chiefs about whether the 22-year-old winger should undergo surgery.

Rob Baxter, Exeter’s director of rugby, expressed frustration over the slow process, attributing the delays to the new Professional Game Partnership (PGP), which gives England head coach Steve Borthwick the final say over medical decisions for centrally contracted players.

Feyi-Waboso sustained the injury during Exeter’s Premiership match against Sale Sharks on December 21. While Exeter had initially scheduled surgery for early January, the decision has been complicated by the possibility of a non-surgical rehabilitation plan, which could allow him to return for the later rounds of the Six Nations in March. Surgery, however, would ensure a more comprehensive recovery but would rule him out of the entire championship.

Rob Baxter explained: “He’s barely started his rehab process really, because the toing and froing over whether he has an operation or goes for rehab is probably slowing both options down. We had things booked, ready to go, decisions ready to be made a week ago, and then the process you have to go through now has certainly slowed things down. That doesn’t mean, necessarily, that it’s wrong, but it certainly slows things down.”

Baxter added that while the ultimate decision lies with the player, the surgical option would provide more certainty for Feyi-Waboso’s long-term recovery. “In a lot of ways, the operative route does take a lot of those ups and downs out of it. Then he gets it done, has proper rehab time, and he knows his shoulder will be ready to go when he plays again. One thing puts a full stop to it, and has some certainty; the other does have lingering doubts around it.”

Feyi-Waboso’s injury isn’t the only concern for Exeter Chiefs. Olly Woodburn and Ehren Painter are both facing extended periods on the sidelines after suffering ACL injuries. Woodburn’s knee injury occurred during the festive fixture against Gloucester on December 29, while Painter sustained his injury in training ahead of the same match. Both players are set to undergo surgery before beginning lengthy rehabilitation programmes.

Josh Hodge, meanwhile, is being monitored after sustaining a hand injury during Exeter’s New Year clash with Leicester Tigers. The fullback’s condition is still under assessment by the Chiefs’ medical team.

The string of injuries leaves Exeter with a depleted squad as they navigate the remainder of the season. Baxter remains optimistic about the team’s resilience but acknowledges the challenges posed by the current injury list.

As for Feyi-Waboso, a final decision on his recovery plan is expected soon. With the British and Irish Lions tour looming this summer, the young winger faces a pivotal moment in his career. “He’s genuinely thinking about [his Lions prospects] a little bit more now,” Baxter noted. “There’s a lot for him to weigh up, and whatever decision he makes, we’ll support him fully.”