Immanuel Feyi-Waboso cops ban with consequences for England tour

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has been handed a two-match suspension following his red card against a France XV, casting doubt on the Exeter Chiefs wing’s participation in England’s upcoming summer tour of Argentina and the United States.

The 22-year-old was dismissed in the 34th minute of Saturday’s uncapped warm-up fixture at Twickenham for a dangerous high tackle on Antoine Hastoy. The offence, upgraded from yellow to red on review, was cited for a high degree of danger with no mitigation.

Feyi-Waboso’s case was heard as part of the new streamlined disciplinary process, which came into effect last week. A World Rugby statement reads: “In determining the sanction, the FPRC reviewed the matter, including all submissions and footage, the FPRC determined that Feyi-Waboso’s actions were contrary to Law 9.13 (dangerous tackle), and that they carried a high degree of danger.”

“Therefore a three-match suspension was proposed to the player, reduced to two matches subject to successful completion of the Coaching Intervention Programme. The Player has accepted the sanction.”

The ban for Feyi-Waboso means he will be unavailable for two of England’s three-Test trip to Argentina and the USA, which begins against Argentina in La Plata on July 5 and concludes with a match against the United States in Washington DC on July 19.

It’s a significant blow both for the player and for head coach Steve Borthwick, who had earmarked the electric finisher for a key role on tour after his return from a long-term shoulder injury.

“You know Manny Feyi-Waboso well enough,” Borthwick said after Saturday’s 26-24 defeat, “this is a good guy who just tries his heart out and has left the field today and it didn’t go the way he wanted it to, so he’s gutted in the changing room.”

It has also dealt a blow to any hopes of a late British & Irish Lions call-up for the winger, as he will have played just 33 minutes of rugby and will only become available for selection once again in mid-July.

French forward Cameron Woki, who was also red-carded during the game at Twickenham, will have his case go before a Disciplinary Committee for a full disciplinary hearing.