Emmanuel Feyi-Waboso: The England winger is a doubt for the Wales Six Nations clash

Emmanuel Feyi-Waboso is an injury doubt for England’s Six Nations opener against Wales on Saturday after the winger ended Thursday’s training session prematurely with a leg injury.

“Mane just pulled away at the end,” defense coach Richard Wigglesworth told Rugby Union Weekly.

“His leg hurts. There was nothing specific and he left, there wasn’t much to it, but he missed the last 60 seconds of training so we’re just waiting to investigate it a little bit more.”

Exeter Chiefs winger Faye-Wabuso was born in Cardiff and has represented Wales at age-group level, but has yet to face them at senior level.

The 23-year-old has started all four autumn Tests in England and his potential withdrawal could prompt a major reshuffle in the back four.

Tommy Freeman, selected at 13, could return to the wing where he played most of his Test rugby, with Max Ojomoh an option to slot into the middle.

A simpler swap could involve using the versatile Elliot Daly to replace Feyi-Waboso on the wing.

Harlequins winger Kadan Morley is preparing for England A for Friday’s clash with Ireland’s Group B, while Sale’s Tom Roebuck, another winger option, has been given an extra week to recover from a toe injury.

Feyi-Waboso has been shortlisted for the 2024 World Rugby Player of the Year after an impressive campaign that included three tries against New Zealand, but his progress has been slowed by a shoulder injury that ruled him out of last year’s Six Nations.

He returned to rugby for England A’s match against France, but was shown a red card for a high shot on Antoine Hastoy in the 34th minute.

He was banned for two subsequent matches from the two Tests against Argentina in the summer, but England coach Steve Borthwick kept the 23-year-old as part of the squad anyway, giving him a start against the United States on the way home and demonstrating the high regard in which he is held.

“Mane is really keen to be as good as possible,” Wigglesworth added.

“If this is your starting point, with the physical abilities he has, it will go well.

“He’s really coachable, takes feedback really well, and has unbelievable physical commitment in terms of how quickly he can connect.”