EXETER — England have taken a safety-first approach with Immanuel Feyi-Waboso as Exeter Chiefs are once again without their star winger for this weekend's Gallagher PREM clash against Bristol Bears. The 23-year-old suffered a hamstring injury in Exeter's victory over Newcastle Red Bulls earlier this month and missed the Investec Champions Cup defeat to Toulouse, with the French side winning 43-40 last time out.
The initial prognosis was positive and a one-week layoff had been anticipated, but England are erring on the side of caution with the Nations Championship block in November approaching. Feyi-Waboso is on an enhanced Elite Player Squad contract, which gives England final say on medical decisions, and he is expected to feature in some capacity in November after starting all three Tests in July and scoring two tries. "It’s pretty good; he was running quite quickly," Baxter said of Feyi-Waboso. "We’re pleased with his progress, but England are a bit more safety-first about it."
"England physios are down here on a regular basis working alongside our head physio. He’s progressing along, he’s running around pretty well and he’s run at decent speed; but he’s going to have a re-scan at the weekend to help make the next decision for where things go next week. He won’t be available for this weekend, though," Baxter added. Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter said he was pleased with the winger's progress and confirmed the re-scan will determine next steps.
Feyi-Waboso's continued absence leaves Exeter short in the back three, a crisis deepened by further knocks in that 43-40 loss. Tommy Wyatt faces a spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury after straining ligaments, though the initial prognosis is that it is not operable and he could return late in the PREM Cup period in November or in the PREM in December if recovery goes well. "He’s done a decent job," Baxter said of Wyatt. "There are a few ligaments strained and pulled." Zack Wimbush also came off with a rolled ankle against Toulouse but is reporting much better this week. Exeter return to PREM action in an all-West Country clash against Bristol Bears, where victory could see them leapfrog their opponents in the table.