Hooper and Feyi-Waboso in contention as Exeter chase first win against Harlequins

Exeter Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter has received a significant injury boost ahead of Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership meeting with Harlequins, with both Tom Hooper and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso in contention to return for a side still searching for only their second league win of the season.

Wallaby back-rower Hooper appeared to aggravate a shoulder problem during the defeat to Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate, but scans have since cleared him of serious damage. Baxter confirmed the injury was a hard knock to an existing fracture site rather than a new break, with the decision on his availability to be made later in the week.

“The scans actually show no refracture of that scapula. Very little bruising, no swelling,” Baxter said. “There’s been no catastrophic injury there. We’ll monitor him day by day, and he could potentially be available for the game at the weekend.”

Feyi-Waboso, who missed Exeter’s last two fixtures — against Toulouse in the Champions Cup and the trip to Bristol — after picking up a hamstring injury in the win over Newcastle Red Bulls, has resumed training with England’s international camp. Baxter said the winger had met the necessary fitness benchmarks to return to full training and that the club is in dialogue with England over his availability for the weekend.

“Manny is progressing very well,” Baxter said. “We’re hopeful that we’ll be able to liaise with England on his availability for the weekend.”

Feyi-Waboso is one of seven Exeter players currently away on international duty, adding further complexity to Baxter’s selection planning for a fixture that carries real urgency. Both Exeter and Harlequins are anchored near the foot of the Premiership table, making Saturday’s contest a pivotal one in the battle to avoid relegation trouble.

On the transfer front, Baxter confirmed that new signing Dallas McLeod will fly into the country later this week. The arrival comes too late for the Harlequins game, but McLeod is expected to be available for the start of the next Premiership Rugby Cup block, beginning with Bath’s visit the following Saturday.