Exeter Chiefs face a backline injury crisis as England winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso undergoes scans for a hamstring issue, raising immediate concerns ahead of their Investec Champions Cup opener against Toulouse.
Anxiety surrounds the physical condition of star winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso at Exeter Chiefs, with the England international scheduled to undergo scans for a potential hamstring problem. Having departed early in the second half of Sunday’s triumph over Newcastle Red Bulls on Sunday, the 23-year-old was observed stretching his hamstring just minutes prior to his substitution.
The manner of Feyi-Waboso’s departure raises immediate concerns given his recent medical history. The back missed the bulk of 2025 through a shoulder injury before sitting out the 2026 Six Nations with a hamstring concern. He was subsequently sidelined for Exeter’s round 18 fixture against Saracens and their play-off semi-final meeting with Bath due to a broken jaw, although he did manage a comeback for the final.
Rob Baxter Details the Injury and Scanning Plans
Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter confirmed that the winger’s withdrawal was unplanned after the player felt discomfort following a high-speed chase.
Baxter provided further context on how the incident unfolded on the pitch, noting that the player attempted to play through the initial discomfort before signaling to the bench.
“He feels like he’s overloaded his hamstring a little bit; I don’t think it’s catastrophic or been a proper twang. He carried on after he first reported it; he did a kick-chase, came up with the ball at full speed and chased back, but he just doesn’t feel right. I expect that’ll get scanned and we’ll assess it over the week.”
Rob Baxter, Exeter Chiefs director of rugby, via Planetrugby
Despite the setback, Baxter offered reassurance regarding the long-term outlook for the backline star, describing the situation as more of a concern than a long-term worry
as medical staff await the results of upcoming scans.
Exeter Backline Depth Tested Ahead of Toulouse Trip
The timing of the injury presents a significant challenge for the Devonians as they prepare for a demanding block of fixtures including Toulouse, Bristol Bears, and Harlequins across the remainder of October. Feyi-Waboso joins a crowded treatment room alongside fellow first-choice wing options Campbell Ridl, Olly Woodburn, and Paul Brown-Bampoe, leaving the squad stretched in the outside channels.
During the victory over Newcastle, Tommy Wyatt shifted to the left wing while Ben Hammersley replaced Feyi-Waboso on the right. Meanwhile, Sam Harris made his first Premiership start for Exeter at full-back. Baxter acknowledged the current strain on squad depth while expressing confidence in the remaining personnel who possess top-flight experience.
Baxter highlighted alternative options within the squad, pointing to Tommy Wyatt, Ben Hammersley, and Sam Harris as versatile squad members who can fill the void. Additional utility players such as Zack Wimbush and Nick Lilley have also previously logged minutes on the wing for the club.
Table: Exeter Chiefs Squad Options on the Wing
| Player | Recent Role | Experience Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tommy Wyatt | Left wing vs. Newcastle | Utilized across backline duties |
| Ben Hammersley | Replacement on right wing | Called upon from the bench |
| Sam Harris | Full-back | Made first Premiership start |
| Zack Wimbush | Utility option | Previously deployed on the wing |
| Nick Lilley | Utility option | Has played Premiership rugby on the wing |
Exeter Face Toulouse After Beating Newcastle
Exeter head to the Pink City to face Toulouse in the opening round of the Investec Champions Cup following a hard-fought 34-28 victory over Newcastle. That result brought the club to eight points from their opening three games of the domestic campaign, though results elsewhere mean they currently sit eighth in the league table.