England’s try-scoring sensation Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is poised to make his long-awaited return to international rugby after being named in Steve Borthwick’s 33-man training squad ahead of the summer tour to Argentina and the United States.
The electric Exeter Chiefs winger, who has been sidelined since December with a dislocated shoulder requiring surgery, is now on the verge of a comeback that has England fans buzzing with anticipation. His potential return couldn’t come at a better time as England prepare for their challenging summer fixtures.
Try-Scoring Machine Ready to Reignite
Despite his young age, the 22-year-old already boasts an impressive international record with five tries in just eight caps. His explosive performances, including a hat-trick during last summer’s tour to Japan and New Zealand, had catapulted him into British and Irish Lions contention before injury cruelly intervened.
“Feyi-Waboso brings that X-factor England have been missing on the wing,” said former England captain Chris Robshaw. “His combination of pace, power and finishing ability makes him a nightmare for defenders.”
The flying winger could make his club comeback for Exeter against Sale on 31 May, providing a perfect springboard for international duties if all goes to plan.
Fresh Blood Ready to Make a Mark
The squad features several exciting newcomers, most notably Sale Sharks’ powerhouse centre Rekeiti Ma’asi-White. The 22-year-old, whose father Viliami represented Tonga internationally, has been tearing up the Premiership with his barnstorming carries and could be the answer to England’s midfield muscle deficit since Manu Tuilagi’s Test retirement.
Ma’asi-White is among 13 uncapped players given the opportunity to impress Borthwick during the training camp at England’s Surrey headquarters. His selection signals England’s intent to develop a more physically imposing backline.
“Ma’asi-White has been absolutely phenomenal this season,” said Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson. “He combines raw power with surprisingly delicate handling skills. England have found themselves a gem.”
Lions Absentees Create Opportunities
With Northampton and Bath players unavailable due to European finals and Lions tourists absent, several established stars have the chance to reassert their international credentials. Veterans George Ford and Jamie George, both surprisingly overlooked for the Lions tour by Andy Farrell, will be determined to showcase their world-class abilities.
The immediate focus for this training group will be preparing an England XV to face a France XV at Allianz Stadium on 21 June, before the squad heads to Argentina for what promises to be a physically demanding two-Test series.
“This training camp is absolutely crucial for establishing our playing identity ahead of those Argentina Tests,” said Borthwick. “We’ve got a fascinating blend of experienced internationals and exciting young talent to work with.”
Full Squad Details
Forwards: Joe Batley (Bristol Bears), Fin Baxter (Harlequins), Richard Capstick (Exeter Chiefs), Arthur Clark (Gloucester Rugby), Ben Curry (Sale Sharks), Theo Dan (Saracens), Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins), Afolabi Fasogbon (Gloucester Rugby), Jamie George (Saracens), Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers), Emeka Ilione (Leicester Tigers), Nick Isiekwe (Saracens), Jack Kenningham (Harlequins), Gabriel Oghre (Bristol Bears), Asher Opoku-Fordjour (Sale Sharks), Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks), Tom Willis (Saracens)
Backs: Charlie Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby), Seb Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby), Oscar Beard (Harlequins), Joe Carpenter (Sale Sharks), Tobias Elliott (Saracens), Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs), George Ford (Sale Sharks), Rekeiti Ma’asi-White (Sale Sharks), Cadan Murley (Harlequins), Luke Northmore (Harlequins), Raffi Quirke (Sale Sharks), Harry Randall (Bristol Bears), Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks), Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs), Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)
