England star Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has been classified as ‘available’ by Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter in a huge boost to Exeter’s chances.
14:58, 18 Jun 2026Updated 15:31, 18 Jun 2026
BAGSHOT, ENGLAND – JUNE 10: Immanuel Feyi-Waboso of England takes part during an England Rugby training session at Pennyhill Park on June 10, 2026 in Bagshot, England. (Photo by Warren Little/The RFU Collection via Getty Images)(Image: The RFU Collection via Getty Images)
Exeter Chiefs are set to be bolstered by wingers Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Campbell Ridl both being declared fit to face Northampton Saints in the Gallagher PREM final on Saturday.
England star Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has been classified as ‘available’ by Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter in a huge boost to Exeter’s chances.
In Exeter’s training session on Thursday, Feyi-Waboso was running in the opposition team in a purple bib, meaning do not touch, but Baxter said that was merely a precaution.
Feyi-Waboso underwent surgery for a facial injury sustained against Leicester on May 31 and was expected to be unavailable until the Nations Championship opener against South Africa on July 4 at the earliest. But hopes are high that he could feature in the final in what would be a massive boost for the Chiefs.
Baxter said: “For obvious reasons to avoid him being banged, he’s been in a red bib so players know to avoid any level of contact. But we’ve done very little tackling this week, even grab tackling. He’s been running around so is fully ready to go.
“He’s available, but just like a few other bodies, we’re assessing them through the week. I think Northampton are in the same position [with Alex Mitchell]. We’ll monitor all the guys at training.
“We did pick up some bumps and bruises at the weekend [against Bath] with the amount of players we were getting strapped up. We also had to make a couple of changes through injury. We’re assessing guys as we go. We’ll probably have a coaches meeting this afternoon to wrap things up. We’ve had a good training week, not done too much Monday and Tuesday and had a good training day today.
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Feyi-Waboso’s involvement in Chiefs’ first trip to the PREM final since 2021 requires him to be signed off by a surgeon, and by the England medical team as he is on an Enhanced Elite Player squad contract, as per the latest Professional Game Partnership, which gives the national side the final say on his availablity.
LEICESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 31: Immanuel Feyi-Waboso of Exeter Chiefs charges upfield during the Gallagher PREM match between Leicester Tigers and Exeter Chiefs at Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium on May 31, 2026 in Leicester, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)(Image: Getty Images)
Baxter explained: “The process is that the three parties need to align but the principal person who drives it once they’ve got all the information is the player. England haven’t been obstructive in allowing Manny to make that decision.
“They’ve been fully behind the call. The surgeon and everyone has given him all the information. He’s been fully assessed. They’re very happy for Manny to make the decision and that’s how it should be. England have been fine with it.
“It’s always up to the player really. I never tell any player they have to play. When it’s a close call one way or the other, you hand it over to the player and he’s declared himself fit. Now he needs to make a decision.”
“All the information is very, very positive. It’s not like there’s damage that needs protecting, so let’s get on with it now.”
Ridl limped off in the 26-27 victory against Bath Rugby in the semi-final, to be replaced by Ben Hammersley, who scored a try, after taking another knock on a previous knee injury. But the young winger is also fit and available for the trip to Twickenham with Baxter confirming that scans had shown there was no significant damage caused.
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