England’s Manny Feyi-Waboso is facing a significant dilemma regarding whether to undergo shoulder surgery, which could impact his chances of being selected for the British & Irish Lions later this year. The Exeter wing is scheduled for surgery next week after suffering a dislocated shoulder during a match against Sale last month. However, he has yet to make a final decision, with his recovery process already delayed due to discussions between his club and the England team.
Exeter’s director of rugby, Rob Baxter, explained that Feyi-Waboso is still working hard on rehabilitation and that the decision to go ahead with the surgery will depend on how well his recovery progresses. If he proceeds with the surgery next week, he could be back on the field within three months, which would give him ample time to regain his fitness before the Lions tour in June. However, if he opts to delay the surgery and attempt to rehab the injury, he risks missing the Six Nations and potentially impacting his Lions ambitions.
The situation is further complicated by the newly established Professional Game Partnership, which gives England greater control over the management of key players. This has slowed down the decision-making process regarding Feyi-Waboso’s surgery. Baxter noted that while the delay is frustrating, it is not necessarily wrong, but it has certainly caused additional uncertainty for the young player.
Feyi-Waboso’s international career has been promising so far, with five tries in eight Tests. His rapid rise has made him eager to maintain his momentum, and the looming prospect of a Lions tour has only intensified his internal conflict. Baxter acknowledged that Feyi-Waboso is likely overthinking the situation, but emphasized that the decision should be made based on the best available information, and he would support whatever choice the player makes.
In the wider rugby community, Saracens’ director of rugby, Mark McCall, has confirmed that New Zealand-born fly-half Fergus Burke is being courted by Scotland ahead of the Six Nations. Burke, who is eligible for both Scotland and England, is currently weighing his options, considering the competition for the fly-half position in England. McCall noted that while England boasts a strong group of fly-halves, the route to international selection in Scotland might be slightly easier, despite the presence of Finn Russell.
Meanwhile, Premiership rugby is experiencing a surge in popularity, with a record 2.6 million fans attending matches during the festive period. The average television audience for games on TNT sports has also increased by 11% compared to the same time last season, reflecting the growing interest in the competition.
