England's rising rugby star Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has delivered a brutally honest assessment of the injury protocol that saw him sent home from international duty, labelling the experience as "dumb" while expressing profound gratitude towards head coach Steve Borthwick.
Frustration Mounts for Young Talent
The Exeter Chiefs winger, who burst onto the international scene with impressive performances during England's Six Nations campaign, found himself sidelined at the worst possible moment. Just as the national team prepared for their summer tour to Japan and New Zealand, Feyi-Waboso was forced to withdraw due to injury concerns.
"Getting sent back because of injury is just dumb," the 21-year-old revealed with refreshing candour. "You work so hard to get to that point, and then to have it taken away because of something you can't control is incredibly frustrating."
Borthwick's Vote of Confidence
Despite the setback, Feyi-Waboso reserved special praise for England coach Steve Borthwick, who maintained his selection faith in the young player despite his physical limitations.
"I'm massively grateful to Steve for still picking me," Feyi-Waboso admitted. "He could have easily looked elsewhere, but he showed real belief in me. That kind of support means everything when you're dealing with disappointment."
Road to Recovery
The medical staff's decision to send Feyi-Waboso home stemmed from concussion protocols, a sensitive area in modern rugby where player welfare has become paramount. While understanding the necessity of the precautions, the young winger couldn't hide his disappointment at missing crucial development opportunities.
His absence from the summer tour represented a significant blow to both player and country, particularly given his meteoric rise through the ranks that saw him make his international debut just months earlier against Italy.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Feyi-Waboso remains focused on his rehabilitation and return to peak condition. "This is just a bump in the road," he insisted. "I'll come back stronger and ready to prove myself again. The fire to play for England burns brighter than ever."
With the autumn internationals looming, rugby fans will eagerly await the return of one of England's most exciting prospects, hoping to see more of the electrifying performances that made him an instant favourite among supporters.
