Baxter backs Fisilau to translate Exeter form into England debut against Australia

Greg Fisilau is set for his first England senior appearance off the bench against Australia at Twickenham on Sunday, with Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter insisting the 23-year-old back-rower will bring exactly the same energy to the international stage that has defined his club rugby.

Fisilau’s call-up came after Sale Sharks flanker Tom Curry picked up a knock in training during the week. The Plymouth-born openside, who has represented England at under-20 level and earned four caps for the England ‘A’ side, now steps into the senior squad for the Nations Championship fixture against the Wallabies.

Baxter spoke warmly about what Fisilau offers, describing a player whose value lies in relentless involvement rather than individual moments of brilliance. “I’m pretty certain that whatever level you picked him at, you would see a very similar level of performance from Greg,” the Exeter head coach said. “His strength is just getting out there and being involved in the game with high numbers, getting in and around the ball.”

Fisilau began his career at Wasps before returning to the South West following the Coventry club’s financial collapse. He also spent time on loan at Birmingham Moseley Rugby, where he made his debut against his hometown club Plymouth Albion at Brickfields — a side his father, former Tonga centre Kenni Fisilau, represented for many years.

He is one of four Exeter players involved in England’s weekend fixtures. Henry Slade starts at outside centre and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso lines up on the wing against Australia, while Ethan Roots was named in the side that faced Argentina at The Rec.

For Baxter, the quartet’s collective involvement sends a clear message to current and prospective players at Sandy Park. “It kind of keeps that real enthusiasm level that if you play well, train well, show consistency in performances, the rewards are there and they’re very tangible,” he said.

“It’s great for other players at the club here to see as well that you come in, come to Exeter, perform well, play in good games. The rewards are there if your ambition is international rugby. So, all ways round, it’s a very important thing for us to see happen here with players at the club, especially young players.”