Exeter wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has been declared fit for Saturday’s Gallagher Prem final against Northampton at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
The England international was initially expected to miss the remainder of the domestic season after requiring surgery on a facial fracture sustained in Chiefs’ win over Leicester at the end of last month.
Director of rugby Rob Baxter will make a late selection decision on the 23-year-old following discussions between the Exeter and England medical teams.
“Manny has been declared fit,” said Baxter. “He’s had a full training week and we’ll make that call probably by the end of day today (Thursday).”
Feyi-Waboso’s original return date was anticipated to be England’s Nations Championship opener against South Africa on 4 July in Johannesburg.
Asked if the player’s availability would be a major boost, Baxter replied: “Without doubt. He’s an international quality player.
“The more players you have fit and available at this stage of the season who have played in big games and you know can have big influences on games, that can only be a very positive thing for us.”
England and Exeter’s medical departments last year publicly disagreed over treatment Feyi-Waboso received for a shoulder injury, with one advocating rehabilitation and the other favouring immediate surgery.
As part of enhanced elite player squad contracts introduced in 2024, the national team have the final say on the match availability of their leading players.
“I wasn’t involved in the conversation, it was our medical team and the England medical team and Manny,” added Baxter.
“Basically all of the information was put in front of him and then it was Manny’s call.”
Two-time Prem champions Exeter booked a place in the final with a thrilling 27-26 comeback victory at title holders Bath.
Chiefs wing Campbell Ridl has been passed fit after being forced off injured in that game.
Baxter is preparing for his seventh Prem final as Exeter boss following victories in 2017 and 2020 and defeats in 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2021.
With many of his squad yet to experience the showpiece match, the 55-year-old has urged his players not to be overcome by the occasion.
“You have to warn them about the circus that suddenly drops into town from day one of the week,” said Baxter. “The circus isn’t really in the changing room, it’s outside, somewhere else.
“The big thing I talked about was just get yourself ready to not get caught up in the day because when you walk into Twickenham it will feel so different for most of the lads to whatever they have experienced.
“Feeling incredible for 20 minutes before the game and feeling awful for two weeks after the game, one doesn’t make up for the other.
“This is not me saying ‘don’t enjoy it, don’t recognise it’. But the way you enjoy the whole day is to perform well and that’s what we’ve got to make sure our focus is.”
PA
