Dispute Intensifies Over Player's Surgery

A significant dispute has emerged between England Rugby and Exeter Chiefs concerning the shoulder surgery of winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and the involvement of Rugby Football Union (RFU) doctors. Exeter's head coach, Rob Baxter, has voiced concerns over the delay in Feyi-Waboso's surgery, attributing it to the unavailability of RFU doctors during the Christmas period.

Claims and Counterclaims

Baxter expressed frustration over the timing of the medical response, stating, 'If someone gets injured before Christmas and has only had an operation now, something has gone wrong somewhere in the process.' He emphasized the need for a more efficient system to handle such situations in the future.

In response, England's head coach, Steve Borthwick, defended the RFU's medical team, asserting that 'player welfare' is their utmost priority. Borthwick clarified that England medics had maintained regular communication with Exeter regarding Feyi-Waboso's injury and treatment throughout the period in question.

Player Welfare at the Forefront

Borthwick highlighted the dedication of England's medical team, saying, 'It would therefore be unfair to question their work ethic, or the level of care provided to the player.' He also expressed eagerness to see Feyi-Waboso back in action as soon as possible, underscoring the team's commitment to its players' health and readiness.

This controversy sheds light on the challenges of managing player injuries during international tournaments and the complexities of coordination between national teams and club sides. As the Six Nations progresses, the resolution of such disputes remains crucial for the sport's integrity and the players' well-being.