England have suffered a significant blow ahead of their Six Nations opener against Wales on Saturday, with Immanuel Feyi-Waboso ruled out due to a hamstring injury sustained in training. The Exeter wing's absence has prompted a surprise recall for Tom Roebuck, who will make his first appearance since recovering from a toe injury.
England assistant coach Tom Harrison confirmed the injury occurred late in Thursday's session. “[Manny] pulled out of training in the last 60 seconds and unfortunately won’t be available this weekend,” Harrison said. “He sustained a pulled muscle in the leg area. Does it disrupt some plans? Yes it does because it’s changing a player. But we’ve done everything we can to make sure the next player is ready.”
Roebuck, who started England's autumn victories against Australia and New Zealand, was initially deemed a week away from full fitness but has been selected ahead of Elliot Daly. “Steve said the other day [Tom would] be ready in a couple of days,” added Harrison. “In an ideal world, we’d have given him an extra week but the world isn’t ideal as we know. He trained fully yesterday and he’s been exceptional around the squad. I’m excited to see him go.”
Feyi-Waboso's absence is a setback for head coach Steve Borthwick, given the 23-year-old's fine form this season. He started all four autumn Tests, scoring two tries in England's 100% winning campaign, after missing last year's Six Nations with a shoulder injury. The former Wales Under-18s international has yet to face Wales at senior level.
“Any player would be disappointed with an injury,” said England back-rower Sam Underhill. “We’re gutted for him. He’s a very emotionally resilient guy, he’s a hard-working guy. Anyone doing a medical degree and playing rugby probably has a level of resilience anyway. He’s a good guy, no doubt he’ll be back better for it but yeah, it’s disappointing.”
England remain heavy favourites to extend their winning run to 12 matches, with Wales on a Six Nations losing streak dating back to 2023. However, captain Jamie George warned of a fierce challenge. “It’s hostile. There’s confrontation. They are tough games,” he said. “You feel it in the stadiums you play at, whether that’s the Allianz or the Principality. It’s like there’s a different energy in the crowd and that plays into the way the game is played and it’s so confrontational. That’s why they are great games to be part of.”
