Feyi-Waboso gambles with England's chances for return to Exeter

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso took a big risk by playing in the Premiership final with Exeter Chiefs just three weeks after suffering a broken jaw. The 23-year-old winger suffered the injury at the end of May in the match against Leicester and underwent surgery. Despite medical advice that the chance of full recovery would be small, he was in the starting line-up in the lost final against Northampton (26-17) at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham on Saturday.

Feyi-Waboso said afterwards that he was aware of the danger of compromising his recovery, especially ahead of England's upcoming international matches against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina. 'I thought beforehand: what if my jaw breaks? But you are playing a final. Then you just have to go for it and hope that everything stays intact. Fortunately, things went well and my chances with England were not jeopardized," said Feyi-Waboso.


The winger emphasized that he made the choice consciously after consultation with surgeons, the medical staff of England and Exeter. 'We discussed week by week what was possible. Originally we were aiming for the first international match against South Africa, but after we reached the final I consulted with the surgeon, England and the Chiefs. They explained everything; the final decision was mine.”

Feyi-Waboso was also recently involved in an incident with a Bath fan during the semi-final. After a supporter threw a drink on him and pushed him afterwards, he reacted impulsively: 'What can you do except tear off his shirt?'

Exeter ultimately lost the final, but Feyi-Waboso can now prepare for the upcoming matches with England, starting on July 4 in Johannesburg against South Africa, followed by matches against Fiji in Liverpool and Argentina in Santiago del Estero.