Rob Baxter says Immanuel Feyi-Waboso shoulder surgery decision still to be made
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Exeter’s Rob Baxter says that a decision has still to be made on whether England wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso will undergo shoulder surgery. Feyi-Waboso dislocated his shoulder while in action for Exeter just before Christmas. England’s opening Six Nations game is against Ireland on February 1, and the 22-year-old would miss the entire tournament, given a post-surgery recovery timescale of 10-12 weeks.
Exeter rugby director Baxter confirmed that the British and Irish Lions hopeful is booked in for an operation next week, although Feyi-Waboso could opt to avoid the surgery route and concentrate on rehabilitation instead. Andy Farrell takes the Lions to Australia this summer, with the Six Nations a major selection shop window. Feyi-Waboso has been a front-runner for one of the back-three spots because of his impact since making his Test debut last year.
Feyi-Waboso is among several England players to be awarded an enhanced elite player squad contract, with England now having a far greater say on all medical and sport science matters affecting those individuals under a new eight-year Professional Game Partnership between the Rugby Football Union and Gallagher Premiership clubs.
On that new process, Baxter said: “I think it certainly would have happened quicker (previously), without doubt. “We had things booked, ready to go, decisions ready to be made a week ago. The process you have to go through now has certainly slowed things down.
