England refute Exeter's claims over Feyi-Waboso injury delay

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has dismissed claims made by Exeter Chiefs’ director of rugby, Rob Baxter that Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s shoulder surgery was delayed due to the absence of England medical staff over the Christmas period.

Feyi-Waboso, a rising star on the wing, suffered a shoulder dislocation during Exeter’s December 21 clash against Sale Sharks.

Despite initially being scheduled for surgery 10 days after the injury, the procedure did not take place until last week, potentially jeopardizing his availability for the British and Irish Lions’ 2025 tour of Australia.

Baxter had suggested that the new Professional Game Partnership (PGP) agreement—under which the RFU holds final medical authority over contracted players—contributed to the delay, as England’s medical team was not present during the festive period to approve the operation.

England head coach Steve Borthwick strongly refuted the claim, stating that England’s medical staff maintained consistent communication with Exeter throughout the period following Feyi-Waboso’s injury.

“England medics in fact maintained regular communication with Exeter regarding Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, immediately after his injury, through the Christmas period and further into the new year.”

Borthwick emphasized that all interactions were fully documented and dismissed any concerns over player welfare.

“As you would expect, this is all documented. It would therefore be unfair to question their work ethic, or the level of care provided to the player.

"We would have loved to have had Manny with us during the Six Nations and we’re eager to see him back on the field as soon as possible.”

He further underlined that England’s medical team is among the best in the world, ensuring player welfare remains the top priority.

Despite England’s response, Baxter insists that a more efficient process must be established to prevent similar issues from arising in the future.

He plans to discuss the matter with Borthwick and Conor O’Shea, the RFU’s executive director of performance rugby, once the Six Nations concludes.

“You don’t need me to tell you that if someone gets injured before Christmas and has only had an operation now, something has gone wrong somewhere in the process.”

Baxter’s main frustration lies in the initial handling of the injury, arguing that if surgery had proceeded as originally scheduled, Feyi-Waboso would now be nearing full fitness.

“My biggest frustration and England’s was that it took a while for this process to get going because of the Christmas period. At that stage, England didn’t really have any involvement.”

Baxter believes the PGP agreement should ensure that the RFU’s medical team is immediately involved in cases involving their contracted players, stating that clarity on who takes responsibility in such situations is essential moving forward.