Feyi-Waboso scan clears serious damage but rules him out of Exeter's Toulouse trip

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has been ruled out of Exeter Chiefs’ Champions Cup trip to Toulouse on Sunday after limping off in the second half of last weekend’s Gallagher Premiership win over Newcastle Red Bulls, but a scan has cleared the England winger of serious hamstring damage.

Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter said the scan results were encouraging and that an England physio visited the club to assess Feyi-Waboso in person, raising hopes the 22-year-old could return as soon as next Saturday’s West Country derby against Bristol Bears.

“He’s got some awareness there. The scan doesn’t show too much, and we are hoping it’s one of those things,” Baxter said. “Seeing that he’s reporting it so well, and he’s functionally so good, we may not need to do much intervention. There’s nothing I’m hearing from our physios saying there should be a long-term issue.”

Feyi-Waboso had scored two tries in the defeat at Bath before the Newcastle match, and came into the week in strong form after starting all three of England’s Nations Championship fixtures over the summer, crossing against both Fiji and Argentina.

The injury is particularly sensitive given his history. Feyi-Waboso missed the entirety of this year’s Six Nations after suffering a hamstring injury in January, and holds an enhanced RFU contract that reflects his status as a key figure in Steve Borthwick’s plans. If he recovers in time for Bristol, he would have a fortnight’s rest before England resume the Nations Championship against Australia at Twickenham on 8 November.

The setback compounds a growing injury crisis on Exeter’s wings. Feyi-Waboso is the fourth Chiefs winger sidelined, joining Campbell Ridl, Olly Woodburn and Paul Brown-Bampoe on the treatment table. Baxter will likely turn to Tommy Wyatt, Zac Wimbush, Sam Harris or Ben Hammersley to fill the void in Toulouse.