Exeter’s in-form winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso looks set to choose England over Wales in a boost for head coach Steve Borthwick before the Six Nations.
The Cardiff-born 21-year-old represented Wales at age-grade level and had been tipped for a call-up to Warren Gatland’s squad.
But it is understood he will attend an England alignment camp this week.
While that is no guarantee he will make Borthwick’s final Six Nations squad, it is still a significant move.
Borthwick confirmed last week he had spoken to Feyi-Waboso and praised his excellent form for the Chiefs this season, with Rob Baxter’s young side impressing in both the Premiership and Champions Cup.
“I name a squad on 17 January and what the players need to do is play well and earn their place in the selection. It is a competitive mix,” said Borthwick.
“As we watch the Premiership now, there are a lot of teams playing well, there are a lot of teams competing.
“We are seeing a competitive league with the number of teams fighting to make the top four. It is a good competition. We are seeing how well the teams did in the first two rounds of Europe. I’m seeing a lot of good performances.”
Feyi-Waboso was raised in Llandaff, playing club rugby with Rumney RFC before beginning his professional career at Cardiff in 2021.
He then made the move to Wasps in 2022, switching to Exeter later that year after Wasps went bust.
But Feyi-Waboso also qualifies for England through family heritage and is currently undertaking a medical degree at Exeter University alongside his rugby career.
Even if he isn’t selected by Borthwick this Six Nations, he could still be “captured” by England if he plays for the reformed A team against Portugal in February.
Source: BBC