Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has finally undergone shoulder surgery, ending his hopes of participating in England’s Six Nations campaign and casting doubt over his potential involvement in the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia this summer. The 22-year-old winger suffered a dislocated shoulder in December, but the uncertainty surrounding his treatment prolonged the decision-making process for two months.
The delay in resolving his injury situation stemmed from indecision over whether to opt for surgery or attempt a rehabilitation-focused recovery. As one of 17 England players awarded enhanced contracts in October, Feyi-Waboso fell under a system that grants Steve Borthwick the final say on all sports science matters. Exeter Chiefs initially scheduled him for surgery, but their director of rugby, Rob Baxter, later indicated that the player was still weighing his options, considering a non-surgical route that might allow him to return for the latter stages of the Six Nations.
Borthwick initially announced in mid-January that Feyi-Waboso had chosen to undergo surgery, only for it to later emerge that the winger had reconsidered and was aiming to return without an operation. He was briefly called into England’s camp last week for a day of rehabilitation but has now undergone surgery, confirming the news by posting hospital images on social media alongside the caption: “Minor setbacks, we go again.”
This drawn-out process has raised concerns about the professional game partnership, which provides Borthwick with increased control over players on enhanced contracts. The indecision appeared to have slowed Feyi-Waboso’s recovery, with Baxter previously stating that the back-and-forth between surgery and rehab was preventing any meaningful progress. The delay not only affected the player’s rehabilitation timeline but also highlighted the challenges of managing injuries under the new system.
The Lions squad is expected to be named in late April or early May, while Exeter’s final Premiership fixture is scheduled for the end of May. With the Chiefs unlikely to reach the playoffs, Feyi-Waboso has roughly three and a half months to regain match fitness during the club season. His ability to recover in time could determine whether he remains in contention for the Lions tour, although competition for back-three spots is fierce.
Before his injury setback, Feyi-Waboso had positioned himself as a strong contender for the Lions, having made a significant impact for England since making his debut in last year’s Six Nations. With five tries in his first eight Tests, he quickly became a key attacking threat. However, his absence from the Six Nations could provide opportunities for other wingers to stake their claim for a place in the Lions squad.
As he embarks on his recovery journey, much will depend on how quickly he can return to peak form. The battle for selection remains intense, and with limited time to impress before the squad announcement, Feyi-Waboso faces a race against time to prove he deserves a spot on the tour to Australia.
