Rob Baxter, the director of rugby for Exeter Chiefs, emphatically states that they will not exert influence over Immanuel Feyi-Waboso as he contemplates his international future.
After delivering a standout performance against Bristol Bears in the Premiership, the young talent in the back three faced inquiries about potential connections with England or Wales leading up to the Six Nations.
In response, Feyi-Waboso chose to deflect the question, stating, “I don’t know.”
Despite being born in Wales, possessing a strong Welsh accent, and emerging from Cardiff’s academy, the 21-year-old made a move to the Premiership in 2022 by joining Wasps.
Following the challenges faced by the Midlanders, Exeter promptly secured the talented player, and his impressive displays this season have propelled him into consideration for a spot in the Test squad.
“He knows there is no pressure from us,” Exeter boss Rob Baxter said when asked about the youngsters international future.
He added: “Obviously, I am English and I support England. If he picks England, great.
“But we never put any pressure on (Wales forwards) Dafydd Jenkins or Christ Tshiunza. They came to us without being capped, and there has never been a pressure element from us about where their career should lie.
“There won’t be any pressure from us. Those will be decisions Manny will make for himself.”
Born to Nigerian parents, Feyi-Waboso grew up as one of six siblings in Llandaff, and kicked off his club rugby journey with Rumney RFC, while also being heavily involved in athletics specialising in hurdles and high jump.
He also represented Cardiff Schools at Under 11s and Under 15s level before progressing further in the Cardiff Rugby pathway with the age grade sides and academy.
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Brian Moore law changes to rugby:
#1. Extend the mark zone to the 10 metre line
Going against Warren Gatland, who suggested removing the mark completely from the game, Moore is looking to limit the number of box kicks we see in modern rugby.
The former England hooker commented: “If you supplemented this with a law that the marking player had to tap the ball and pass or run, you would speed up the restart and not allow time to be taken by kicking to touch.
“All this would go some way to removing the bane of many fans’ match-day experience: the box kick. This type of kick has now become almost ubiquitous, not only as an exit from a team’s 22, but as an attacking option between the 22 and the opponent’s 10-metre line.”