Watson backs 'uniquely freakish' Feyi-Waboso to become the best winger in the world

Anthony Watson has declared that Immanuel Feyi-Waboso can become the best winger in the world, describing the England flyer as “uniquely freakish” ahead of Saturday’s tour opener against South Africa at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

Feyi-Waboso is set to start on the right wing having returned to full fitness after a run of shoulder, concussion, hamstring and broken jaw injuries that restricted him to just 13 caps since his international debut in 2024. Watson, who occupied the same number 14 shirt for England and the British and Irish Lions, sees a rare talent ready to announce himself on the global stage.

“Manny is unlike anything we’ve seen from an athletic standpoint for a number of years,” Watson told the Press Association. “Everything that you’d want athletically from a winger, he’s got. People want to talk about his size, but then they see him get up in the air and then it’s like, well, you don’t need to be tall if you jump like he can.”

Drawing comparisons with two of the game’s most celebrated finishers, Watson placed Feyi-Waboso in distinguished company. “He’s got a lot of characteristics of other wings, but he’s uniquely freakish,” he said. “He’s probably not as agile as Jason [Robinson] was, but then Jason didn’t have the same ability to run over people like Manny does. He’s got a bit of Rupeni Caucaunibuca in him in terms of the way that when he’s going, there’s just no stopping him, whether it’s around you, through you, whatever.”

Watson also highlighted Feyi-Waboso’s defensive contribution as a distinguishing factor. “He bangs people. It’s quite rare in the wing position to have someone who actually puts dominant tackles in. He makes things happen, which in international rugby is extremely difficult, and those guys are worth their weight in gold.”

The former Lion stopped short of saying Feyi-Waboso has already arrived, but insisted the ceiling is the highest in the position. “He can be the best winger in the world and I don’t think he’s a million miles off at the moment. He’s just been unlucky recently with that stop-start nature of the injuries. With sustained opportunities to play and show what he can do in international rugby, he can definitely be the best winger.”

Watson also weighed in on the selection debate surrounding Tommy Freeman, who has been trialled at outside centre by head coach Steve Borthwick. “Against South Africa in Johannesburg, you get your best possible team on the pitch,” Watson said. “That means Tommy and Manny playing on the wings.” Borthwick is due to confirm his selection on Thursday.

Watson made his comments at a Team England fundraiser in support of former England captain Lewis Moody, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2025. “It’s important for us to show support and love for someone who has been there, done it and who is going through some tough times,” Watson said. “And despite it all, he’s still doing it with a smile on his face and in the typical Lewis fashion.”