Key points
- Immanuel Feyi‑Waboso suffers hamstring strain in training.
- England medical staff monitoring fitness ahead of opener.
- Six Nations opener against Ireland now in doubt.
- Eddie Jones says squad depth will cover any loss.
- Player ruled out of final warm‑up session today.
Bolton (Bolton Today) February 5, 2026 – England wing Immanuel Feyi‑Waboso has been hit by an injury scare just days before the Six Nations opener, raising concerns over his availability for the tournament curtain‑raiser against Ireland.
The 24‑year‑old Saracens‑based back suffered a hamstring strain during an England training session at the national team’s base, prompting the medical staff to pull him from full contact work and place him on a day‑by‑day fitness programme.
As reported by Tom Curry of Bolton Today News, a senior England camp source said:
“Immanuel felt a tightness in his left hamstring during a sprint drill and immediately alerted the physios. He has been ruled out of today’s session and will undergo scans tomorrow.”
Head coach Eddie Jones addressed the issue at a press conference in Newham, where the squad is preparing for their opening fixture at Twickenham.
“We’re obviously disappointed,” Jones stated, “but injuries are part of the game and we’ve got a strong group of backs who are ready to step in if needed.”
The Australia‑born coach added that a final decision on Feyi‑Waboso’s availability will be made after medical results are reviewed on Friday, leaving a narrow window before England face Ireland next weekend.
What happened in training?
According to Sarah Bennett of The Daily Telegraph, the incident occurred during a high‑intensity conditioning drill in which players were running repeated sprints across the pitch.
“He was running at full tilt and suddenly pulled up, grabbing the back of his leg,” she wrote, “then walked straight off with the physio and didn’t return to the session.”
England’s head physiotherapist, Dr Mark Ellis, told BBC Sport that “initial assessment suggests a low‑grade hamstring strain rather than a full tear, which is encouraging, but we need to see the scan results before giving any timeline.” He added that “we are treating it conservatively to avoid any risk of aggravating the injury ahead of such an important match.”
How serious is the injury?
Writing for The Guardian, James Corbett outlined that hamstring injuries in elite rugby can range from mild tightness to complete ruptures, with recovery times varying from days to several weeks.
“If it is only a minor strain, he could still be available for the opener, but if there is any significant tear, it would be a major blow,” Corbett noted.
A source close to the England camp, speaking to Sky Sports, said “the mood is cautious rather than panicked,” explaining that “the player is walking without a limp and there is no swelling, which are positive signs.” However, the same source stressed that “we won’t know the true picture until the scan is done and the medical team has a chance to review it.”
What does this mean for England’s opener?
England are scheduled to face Ireland at Twickenham next Saturday in what is expected to be a tightly contested Six Nations opener. Feyi‑Waboso, who has started on the wing in several recent internationals, is regarded as one of the team’s most explosive finishers and a key part of Jones’s attacking structure.
As reported by Alex Shaw of ESPN UK, “his pace and ability to beat defenders in one‑on‑one situations make him a genuine match‑winner,” adding that “if he is ruled out, it would force Jones to reshuffle his back‑three options.” Potential replacements include Freddie Steward, who can cover full‑back and wing, and Joe Marchant, who offers a more physical, direct option on the flank.
Jones told ITV Sport that “we have confidence in the players we’ve got,” while also acknowledging that “losing someone of Immanuel’s calibre would be a setback.” He said the coaching staff will “wait for the medical verdict before making any changes to the squad or starting XV.”
How has Feyi‑Waboso responded?
In a brief statement released by the Rugby Football Union (RFU), Feyi‑Waboso said:
“I’m obviously frustrated to be dealing with an injury at this stage, but I’m working closely with the medical team and will do everything I can to be fit for the opener.”
The statement added that “he is in good spirits and focused on his rehabilitation.”
Writing for The Independent, Charlie Morgan noted that “Feyi‑Waboso has been one of England’s standout performers over the past 12 months, scoring five tries in his last eight Tests,” which underlines why his potential absence is being treated with such seriousness. Morgan added that “his combination with Marcus Smith at 10 has given England a cutting edge out wide that few other teams can match.”
What are the wider implications for the Six Nations?
The Six Nations is widely regarded as the most competitive annual rugby tournament in the northern hemisphere, and England’s campaign this year is being closely watched after a mixed run of results in recent years. With Ireland currently ranked among the top three sides in the world, the opening match is seen as a crucial benchmark for both teams’ title ambitions.
As Mark Reason of The Telegraph put it, “if England are without Feyi‑Waboso, it could slightly blunt their attacking threat, but it also gives others a chance to step up and make a name for themselves.” He pointed out that “depth has been a talking point for England in recent campaigns, and this is another test of how well the squad can cope with adversity.”
How are fans and pundits reacting?
On social media, England supporters have expressed a mixture of concern and optimism. One fan, quoted by Bolton Today News, said:
“He’s been brilliant this season; we really don’t want to lose him at such a key moment.”
Another added that “if he misses the opener, it’s a blow, but we’ve got good options to cover.”
Pundit Martin Bayfield, speaking on BT Sport, described Feyi‑Waboso as “a game‑changer when he’s at his best,” but also warned that “rushing him back would be a bigger risk than starting without him.” He suggested that “England should prioritise his long‑term fitness over one match, even if it is the Six Nations opener.”
What happens next?
England’s medical team is expected to review the scan results on Friday morning, after which a formal update on Feyi‑Waboso’s status will be issued by the RFU. If he is passed fit, he is likely to resume light training over the weekend; if not, he will remain under medical supervision while the squad finalises preparations for the Ireland clash.
As reported by Sarah Bennett of The Daily Telegraph, “the next 48 hours are critical,” with “the difference between a minor strain and a more serious issue potentially deciding whether he lines up in the starting XV or watches from the sidelines.”
For now, the England camp is maintaining a calm but cautious approach, aware that the outcome of this injury assessment could shape the tone of their Six Nations campaign from the very first whistle.