Feyi-Waboso returns for Exeter as dual-Test star eyes 'fairy tale finish'

Scott Sio admits that it would be a ‘fairy tale finish’ if he ended his Exeter Chiefs career with a Gallagher PREM title at Twickenham next month before he makes the switch to Cardiff in the United Rugby Championship.

The Wallaby and Samoa loosehead moves to the Welsh capital this summer after four years in Devon as the Chiefs battled to stay within EQP regulations, and the 34-year-old would love a trophy-winning send-off.

The Chiefs, who travel to Welford Road to face Leicester Tigers on Sunday, are three points clear of fifth-place Saracens, whom they host in the final round of games next Saturday, and are bidding to finish in the top four for the first time in five years.

Sio is packing down alongside Max Norey at hooker and Josh Iosefa-Scott at tighthead against the Tigers, who haven’t lost at home in the PREM this season, and has hailed the way the Chiefs have battled for trophies on three fronts this season.

“As a player, that’s a fairy tale finish. You always want to achieve great things at clubs and win trophies. We understand there’s obviously a process to that, but I’d be ecstatic if we could push forward and have a big win at Twickenham next month.

Fixture

Gallagher Premiership

Leicester

07:30

31 May 26

Exeter Chiefs

All Stats and Data

“It’s been great to see the club go from strength to strength. Unfortunately, last season was probably one of the worst in the club’s history, but that’s character building, and it’s really about the reaction.

“I feel like this season everyone’s reacted well and put their best foot forward, and we have a chance to hopefully go all the way. When I came over in October 2022 with an open mind to just improve as a player and a person.

“And I definitely feel I’ve done that here. The club have really just given me a great environment to do that and opportunities to express myself as a player in a new competition,” he said.

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso reclaims a starting spot on the wing, with Paul Brown-Bampoe dropping down to the bench, where Zack Wimbush prepares for his first league appearance of the campaign.

Ross Vintcent is out injured, and back-rower Ethan Roots returns to the starting line-up, as does fit-again No.8 Greg Fisilau, who has been sidelined for the last month.

Exeter Chiefs: Olly Woodburn, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Henry Slade, Len Ikitau, Campbell Ridl, Harvey Skinner, Stephen Varney, Scott Sio, Max Norey, Josh Iosefa-Scott, Dafydd Jenkins (c), Andrea Zambonin, Tom Hooper, Ethan Roots, Greg Fisilau

Replacements: Joseph Dweba, Ethan Burger, Bachuki Tchumbadze, Rusi Tuima, Christ Tshiunza, Tom Cairns, Zack Wimbush, Paul Brown-Bampoe