When questioned about encapsulating the year 2025, Manny Feyi-Waboso responded with a broad smile, stating, “A significant educational journey is how I would summarize it.” It’s clear why he feels this way.
The Exeter and England winger’s year started with a postponed shoulder surgery, leading to disagreements between his club and country, as the Chiefs had preferred an earlier procedure. This also likely cost him a spot on the Lions tour.
Subsequently, the 22-year-old medical student from Cardiff was ejected from his comeback game, representing England A against France A. He made contact with Antoine Hastoy’s head while attempting a tackle, resulting in a suspension that sidelined him for both Test matches during the senior tour to Argentina.
Following this, Feyi-Waboso faced a hamstring injury during pre-season training. However, since his return for the Chiefs in their PREM Rugby season opener against Northampton Saints, he has been a true revelation.
He secured two tries in the 33-33 draw at Franklin’s Gardens and subsequently achieved a hat-trick against Newcastle Red Bulls the following weekend, marking his first home appearance for the Chiefs since December.
“It’s just amazing to be back. It makes you realize how good it is. It’s unbelievable. It’s my first hat-trick ever. Maybe the time off has helped me. Everything has been fantastic since my return,” he expressed.
“That was my first proper long-term injury as a professional rugby player. It was really tough. It turned out to be a long, long time – much longer than initially anticipated. It lasted six months, or something like that.”
“It’s benefited my shoulder greatly. It has had sufficient time to recover. Now, it’s all about regaining match fitness. I experienced cramping in the first game, but now I’m feeling much better. I’ve completed my first 80 minutes. It’s all good.”
Reflecting on the red card incident that marred his comeback game, he commented, “That was completely my fault, really foolish. I thought he was going to kick, he positioned as if to kick, and I ended up going in too high, and then he collided with me.”
“Looking back at it now, I cringe. You should always aim lower, maybe even target the foot.”
“I was devastated after that. It was such a stupid move. Hopefully, I’ve learned some valuable lessons from that experience. Fortunately, Steve (Borthwick) still included me on the tour. I was so surprised.”
“I was extremely happy that he did. He wasn’t obligated to because I missed the two Argentina Tests, but I still managed to play against the USA. I was really grateful to be included on that tour.”
“I didn’t dwell on it too much. I was just incredibly grateful for him taking me. He could easily have selected someone who was available for every game. The fact that he chose me meant a lot,” he added.
While Feyi-Waboso was sidelined, Paul Brown Bampoe capitalized on the opportunity, and they now form one of the most formidable wing partnerships in the Premiership, fostering healthy competition during training.
“It’s definitely healthy competition. Seeing Paul excel while I was out was astonishing. It was tough to watch from the sidelines because we were losing.”
But watching Paul do so well was amazing. Watching on, I was just like, “Give the ball to Paul. Give it to him. Give it to him.” In training, we do a lot of reps together to help each other.
“Yes, we’re fighting for the same position, but we both play and want each other to get better. It’s really good.”
