'He could be quite a force come World Cup time': Rob Baxter

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has been backed to become one of the stars of the 2027 Rugby World Cup by his Exeter Chiefs boss Rob Baxter, who hopes he can find some consistency this season.

Baxter hopes Feyi-Waboso, who scored 17 tries in 27 appearances for club and country last season, can put together an injury-free campaign ahead of the showpiece event in Australia next year.

Feyi-Waboso has been hit by shoulder, hamstring, and facial injuries and suspensions in the last few seasons, and Baxter believes a season free of disruptions will do the speedster the world of good.

“I think just a good, consistent season would do him the world of good. That’s what he really needs. He needs to play, and the more he plays, the better he gets. That gives him real match fitness and sharpness.

“He was pretty good against Cardiff. He came up with those good moments that he always does, and he’s got fantastic pace and ability to beat people. We’re looking forward to him playing again this week with more game time under his belt.

Fixture

Gallagher Premiership

Exeter Chiefs

07:05

26 Sep 26

Gloucester

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“He certainly improves with game time. I think if he can really put a run of games together, he could be quite a force come World Cup time. He is an exceptional player. There are areas of his game where game time without doubt improves some of those elements.

“But if he can put a good run together, it’ll be quite exciting what England might see from him both in the autumn and in the World Cup later in the year.

“People are surprised how much work people do when they’re injured, and Manny is no exception. He’s always worked exceptionally hard with the physios and S&C in those injury periods.

“All of those things will be making Manny more robust, and hopefully that’s what you’ll start to see over the course of the season,” said Baxter.