When confirmation came that Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 22, will miss the Guinness Men’s Six Nations due to a shoulder injury suffered playing for Exeter Chiefs, thoughts immediately turned to his replacement.
But who can fill the boots one of the form wings in Test rugby, a scorer of tries in three consecutive meetings with the All Blacks, who can turn half-chances into tries and pose a constant threat to opposition defences? His absence leaves Borthwick with a significant void to fill ahead of England’s opener against defending champions Ireland on February 1st in Dublin.
Selection headache or opportunity?
Borthwick faces a quandary as he looks to reshuffle his wing options. Tom Roebuck and Ollie Sleightholme appear the most obvious candidates.
Sale Sharks’ Roebuck is the highest-scoring right winger in the Gallagher Premiership so far this season, one ahead of Feyi-Waboso with six, while Northampton Saints’ Sleightholme is level with the Chiefs danger man.
There is very little to separate the pair, for club or country, which is why fans will be so intrigued to see who gets the nod against Ireland. Tom Roebuck and Ollie Sleightholme bring distinct strengths to the right wing position, making the selection for the England team an intriguing challenge. Roebuck, standing at 6'2", is known for his physicality and aerial prowess. His ability to break tackles and secure high balls makes him a formidable presence on the field.
In contrast, Sleightholme, slightly shorter at just under 6'0", excels with his blistering pace and agility. His knack for finding gaps in the defence and finishing tries with precision has made him a prolific scorer. While Roebuck's strength lies in his power and consistency under the high ball, Sleightholme's speed and evasive skills offer a dynamic attacking threat. However, both players have proven their mettle at the club level, and their contrasting styles provide England with versatile options for the Guinness Men's Six Nations
internationally, the 23-year-old Roebuck made his senior England debut against South Africa in last year’s Autumn Nations Series, going on to win further caps against New Zealand and Japan (scoring a sensational try against the Cherry Blossoms).
Also making his debut last year was Sleightholme – who has followed father Jon into a career with Northampton and England – who scored four tries in five Tests (including a brace against Australia). He was also the top try-scorer in the Gallagher Premiership last year, crossing 14 times in 12 appearances in a title-winning campaign for the Saints.
Will that be enough to edge the 24-year-old Sleightholme ahead of Roebuck?
Feyi-Waboso’s meteoric rise
Born in Cardiff to Nigerian parents, Feyi-Waboso was a late bloomer who balanced his passion for the game with an impressive academic career. After developing his skills at Clifton College and the Wasps academy, he joined Exeter Chiefs and pledged his allegiance to England. While pursuing a medical degree at the University of Exeter, Feyi-Waboso has managed to thrive on the pitch, combining his electric pace and sharp agility with a razor-sharp focus on his studies.
Feyi-Waboso came onto the international scene during the 2024 Guinness Men’s Six Nations, making his debut off the bench against Italy, scoring his first Test try in the Calcutta Cup, then starting in the memorable final-round win against Ireland. By the end of the Championship, he had become a key figure in England’s backline, showcasing a natural flair and calmness under pressure. His contributions were instrumental in England’s resurgence, earning him recognition as one of rugby’s most exciting young talents.
Beyond rugby, Feyi-Waboso’s story is equally inspiring. Alongside his medical studies, he has supported charitable initiatives, including fundraising for burns victims and cleft lip surgeries in Africa. His decision to skip part of England's training camp during the 2024 Championship to sit a crucial exam highlighted his commitment to his dual passions – a choice supported by coach Steve Borthwick, who praised his maturity and unique drive.
Date with destiny in Dublin
England’s clash with Ireland on February 1st at the Aviva Stadium is shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated matches following the last-gasp win in 2024 – one of the highlights of that Championship. Ireland, overseen by Simon Easterby with Andy Farrell away on Lions duty, will be out to avenge the outcome of last year’s meeting. For England to repeat that feat in Dublin without Feyi-Waboso will be an immense challenge, but two of the form wingers in the Gallagher Premiership - Roebuck and Sleightholme - will be vying to show they can help the Red Rose do just that.
