Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is on track to make his return to the England rugby squad during the upcoming summer tour of Argentina, keeping alive hopes of a late call-up to the British & Irish Lions. England head coach Steve Borthwick expressed his satisfaction with the Exeter wing’s progress, highlighting that Feyi-Waboso was eager to get back into full training during a recent mini camp.
Feyi-Waboso has been out of action since late December after finally undergoing shoulder surgery, which had been delayed due to uncertainty over whether the operation was necessary. This delay, which exposed some weaknesses in the new club-country agreement, was further complicated by a tooth infection that the player also suffered. Ultimately, these setbacks meant he missed a critical window to push for selection in the Lions squad.
The 22-year-old has yet to return to competitive play for Exeter this season, with one remaining Premiership game against Sale set for the end of May. Given that Feyi-Waboso was given an enhanced contract by the Rugby Football Union last autumn, Borthwick is likely to have significant input on whether he features in that final fixture.
In the meantime, Borthwick has been impressed with Feyi-Waboso’s performances during a two-day training camp at England’s base in Bagshot. There is speculation that the wing’s comeback might begin with a game against a France XV on 21 June before the main tour to Argentina kicks off.
Borthwick reported that Feyi-Waboso took part in both team and modified individual training sessions, showing positive signs in his recovery. Medical staff are pleased with his progress, and the player himself exuded a strong sense of energy and enthusiasm during the camp.
“I had to step in several times to hold him back because he wanted to push harder,” Borthwick said. “That’s a positive indication of where Manny is at. He’s a world-class player.”
With Maro Itoje leading a British & Irish Lions squad that includes 12 other England players, Borthwick faces the task of naming a new captain for the two-Test tour of Argentina, which will also feature a one-off match against the USA. Potential captains include experienced campaigners Jamie George—who was stripped of the England captaincy earlier this year—and George Ford, as well as younger leaders like Ben Curry and Fraser Dingwall, who lead their clubs.
Borthwick is also keen to bolster the second-row options and has included uncapped players such as Arthur Clark in the squad. Additionally, props Afo Fasogbon and Asher Opoku-Fordjour, who has one cap, have been promoted from last summer’s World Cup-winning England under-20 side.
Reflecting on the importance of such tours in player development, Borthwick noted that the England players who debuted on the 2017 tour of Argentina, just two years before the Rugby World Cup, went on to become key contributors in the tournament. He expressed confidence that this summer’s tour would similarly reveal fresh talent ready to make their mark ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
In other news, former England full-back Mike Brown has announced his retirement from professional rugby at the end of the current season. Brown, who earned 72 caps over a 20-year career, will finish after Leicester’s final game. He also took the opportunity to issue a pointed call to rugby authorities.
Brown urged club owners, league executives, and governing bodies at all levels to come together and make bold, long-term decisions to protect and grow the sport. “We have a responsibility to safeguard this incredible game so future generations can enjoy everything it has to offer, just as I have,” he said.
His message highlights ongoing challenges within the sport, calling for unity and vision to ensure rugby continues to thrive amid increasing pressures on players and the wider rugby ecosystem.
