"Extensive rehab" - Exeter Chiefs provide injury update on two players, including Wallabies star

Young forward Kane James was forced off after just 11 minutes of the Chiefs’ EPCR Challenge Cup pool-stage final against Cardiff Rugby. Subsequent scans revealed the 20-year-old has sustained a significant ankle injury, which will require surgery later this week. James will then begin a rehabilitation programme expected to last between 12 and 14 weeks.

James made his senior Exeter debut on 23 March 2025 in a 52–38 PREM defeat to Bristol Bears. His progress was further recognised in June 2025 when he earned selection in England’s U20 squad for the World Rugby U20 Championship.

Meanwhile, fellow back-rower and Wallabies international Tom Hooper was substituted early in last weekend’s Gallagher Premiership round 10 clash with Bristol Bears.

Medical scans have confirmed Hooper has suffered a medial collateral ligament (MCL) strain. The injury will not require surgery, and he will instead undergo an extensive rehabilitation programme with the Chiefs’ medical staff. Hooper is expected to return to action within six to eight weeks.

Hooper previously endured an injury-disrupted start to the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, making his first appearance in Round 11 before featuring in the remaining seven matches, including two finals fixtures. He departed the Brumbies at the conclusion of the 2025 season to join Exeter Chiefs.

Following an outstanding 2025 Super Rugby campaign, in which he finished runner-up in the Player of the Year award, Hooper re-established himself in Wallabies contention. He was named on the bench for Australia’s opening Test against Fiji and played a prominent role in the 2025 British and Irish Lions Tour, featuring in the first Test and earning player-of-the-match honours in the Wallabies’ victory in the decisive third Test.

In more positive news for the Chiefs, fullback Josh Hodge and tighthead prop Josh Iosefa-Scott have both returned to full training and are available for selection.