England’s breakthrough star Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has been ruled out of the Six Nations finale against France on Saturday because of concussion symptoms.
Feyi-Waboso, 21, was exceptional in England’s 23-22 win over Ireland last weekend — his first Test start following two replacement appearances against Italy and Scotland — but after the match reported concussion symptoms to the coaching staff. Due to the mandatory concussion protocols, Feyi-Waboso will miss the match in Lyon on Saturday.
His three caps this Six Nations have come just 10 months after he was playing third tier rugby.
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“Manny is out with a head knock,” Richard Wigglesworth, England attack coach, told reporters on Tuesday. “He felt a bit groggy, but we don’t take any risks with that sort of stuff. He’s obviously gutted but being the smart lad he is, he reported his symptoms.
“There was no major incident. He had a knock and didn’t feel quite right, so he reported the symptoms and then was removed accordingly. It is completely one of the reasons why the education has happened, so players know.
“The players are better looked after than ever, the rules support head-knocks. I always felt as a player it was my responsibility, after I knew everything, to make sure I was safe and part of the education is allowing yourself to do that, which he has done.”
Feyi-Waboso is training to become a doctor and self-diagnosed his symptoms. Despite his absence, England have opted against calling up a replacement so they will likely choose between experienced option Elliot Daly and uncapped duo Will Muir and Tom Roebuck for who starts against France.