Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s hopes of a late British & Irish Lions call-up have suffered a major setback after he was red-carded during England XV’s uncapped fixture against France at Twickenham on Saturday.
The Exeter Chiefs winger, who has been hotly tipped as a potential call-up for Andy Farrell’s Lions squad, was sent off in the 33rd minute for a high tackle on French fly-half Antoine Hastoy.
The incident was initially reviewed by referee Holly Davidson before being upgraded to a 20-minute red card following further TMO assessment.
The dismissal now leaves Feyi-Waboso facing a likely suspension of at least three matches, placing any immediate involvement with the Lions in serious doubt.
The touring party fly to Australia this weekend following their opening 28-24 loss to Argentina on Friday night in Dublin.
It marks a cruel twist for the 22-year-old medical student, who had just returned to action after a long layoff with a shoulder injury sustained in December. Prior to Saturday, he had scored five tries in eight England caps and was nominated for World Rugby’s Breakthrough Player of the Year award following a stellar 2024 campaign.
Were it not for the injury, Feyi-Waboso would very likely have been included in Farrell’s initial British & Irish Lions selection.
England head coach Steve Borthwick had spoken glowingly about Feyi-Waboso’s energy and determination in the build-up to the game. “Last week, when he was still coming to those very last elements of return to play, trying to keep himself out of certain things and to stop him throwing himself in, was quite a job,” Borthwick told BBC 5 Live. “I have had to almost man-mark him myself in training! He has been full of enthusiasm, full of energy. I think every England supporter will be looking forward to seeing him play.”
The stocky winger nearly scored in the opening England XV attack, only to fumble the ball over the line.
