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Why Lions hopeful Immanuel Feyi-Waboso 'almost in a no-lose situation'
By Neil Fissler
England winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso might be battling to play again for Exeter Chiefs this season, but Rob Baxter believes he could still be ready if called upon by either Steve Borthwick or the British & Irish Lions.
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The Chiefs flyer hasn’t featured in 2024 after surgery on a shoulder injury sustained in December was delayed. Baxter says the 21-year-old is touch and go for their final game of the season against Sale Sharks on 31 May.
Feyi-Waboso, who has scored four tries in his last five England appearances, has been unavailable for Borthwick since the autumn defeat to Australia.
England are set to play two Tests in Argentina this summer—on 5 July in Buenos Aires and a week later in San Juan—before travelling to Washington DC for a one-off fixture against the USA on 19 July.
Baxter believes Feyi-Waboso is in a no-lose situation: he could tour but would also benefit from a full pre-season at Sandy Park.
“The latest is that rehab is going well, and I think it’s touch and go for him to be ready for the last game of the season and be available. Manny is almost in a no-lose situation.
“If he can get fit and up and running, fresh, then he’s someone England might want to take on tour. But I helped coach on an England tour many moons ago.
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“And players were leaving us in Argentina every five minutes to join the Lions—every time there was an injury, every time something changed—so you never know, do you?
“But at the same time, if he had the full summer off and a full pre-season with us, he’d also benefit from that. He’s one of those guys in a fortunate position where whatever happens, he’s probably going to go OK,” Baxter said.
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