Exeter Chiefs will once again be without star winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso for their PREM game against Bristol Bears, with England opting for a ‘safety-first’ approach to his return to play. 

Feyi-Waboso suffered a hamstring injury in Exeter’s victory over Newcastle Red Bulls earlier this month, and missed their Investec Champions Cup clash with Toulouse last time out as a result. It was initially set to be a one-week layoff with a return scheduled in for this weekend; however, it seems England are opting to give him extra time to make sure he is 100% ready to go. The 23-year-old back is on an enhanced Elite Player Squad (EPS) contract with the national team, which gives England final say on any medical issues.

He is likely to be involved in some capacity during November’s Nations Championship block, too, after starting all three Tests in July and scoring two tries along the way.

‘We’re pleased with his progress, but England are a bit more safety-first about it’

The initial prognosis on Feyi-Waboso’s injury was fairly positive, with Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter detailing it wouldn’t be a long-term concern, but England are erring on the side of caution with the November Tests not too far away.

“It’s pretty good; he was running quite quickly,” Baxter said of Feyi-Waboso. “We’re pleased with his progress, but England are a bit more safety-first about it.

“England physios are down here on a regular basis working alongside our head physio. He’s progressing along, he’s running around pretty well and he’s run at decent speed; but he’s going to have a re-scan at the weekend to help make the next decision for where things go next week. He won’t be available for this weekend, though.”

Feyi-Waboso’s continued absence gives the Chiefs DoR in the midst of an injury crisis in the back three, which has been made even worse in the wake of their loss to Toulouse, with Tommy Wyatt also facing a stint on the sidelines with an ankle injury.

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“He’s done a decent job,” Baxter said of Wyatt. “There are a few ligaments strained and pulled.

“But the initial prognosis is that it’s not operable, so he should be back either late in the PREM Cup period (in November) or as we get into the PREM (in December) if things go well.

Elsewhere, Zack Wimbush also picked up a knock in the 43-40 loss, but it seems that isn’t too bad at first glance.

“Zack came off with a bit of a rolled ankle, but he’s reporting a lot better (in the week).”

Exeter return to PREM action this weekend with an all-West Country clash against Bristol Bears, where a win could see them leapfrog their opponents in the table.