Exeter Chiefs look set to be boosted by Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Henry Slade and Dafydd Jenkins for their upcoming EPCR Challenge Cup clash with Munster.
All three missed Devonians’ PREM win over Newcastle Red Bulls last Friday, with Feyi-Waboso sidelined with a hamstring injury, Jenkins rested after the Six Nations and Slade absent due to the birth of his child, but all will be in full contention for their crucial European tie this week.
The clash at Sandy Park is the latest chapter in a growing European rivalry between the two clubs, who have met in five of the last eight years since 2018.
Exeter have been boosted by a key Test score for Munster as Rob Baxter provided a team boost
Speaking ahead of the game, manager Rob Baxter confirmed that the trio are some of the key returnees this week.
“Daf is back on his week off after the Six Nations, Henry Slade is back in full training and is available this week after the birth of his daughter and Manny (Feyi-Waboso) is in full training and available now so it’s a good addition to our three stocks.
“Ehren Painter is also in full training, so he’s fully available. We’re starting to strengthen the team, and that’s what you want to see this season.
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“We’re starting to get a lot of players back into the squad and that adds a lot of enthusiasm and energy to the squad and hopefully we can start to perform well.”
Exeter will likely look to return Christ Tshiunza and Joseph Dweba to their matchday 23, with the pair having been sidelined since Exeter’s defeat in the PREM Cup Final.
“They are available,” Baxter said of the Wales and Springbok Test stars. “Every week, you need to balance your EQP (England qualified player) figures, but they are there and in full training.
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Feyi-Waboso’s return in particular will come as good news for the respected rugby captain, with the winger set to make a long-awaited return to the field after a knock on the night before the Six Nations – which ruled him out of the entire England campaign.
This is the latest injury brought on by a back injury last season, which saw him miss the second half of last season with a dislocated shoulder before losing first place in the PREM Cup to another issue.
“He’s an energetic guy, and these things happen in rugby,” Baxter said of Feyi-Waboso. “You have to use your down times to improve your health and work on the strategies you can.
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“He’s eager to get back on the field, and we’ll see what happens with that this week.”
Elsewhere, Len Ikitau is also continuing his rehab, but Baxter remains reluctant to put an exact time frame on his return to action.
“Len’s a little behind, but he’s getting there. He’s running a little bit, but we’re being very careful with the people we’re meeting now as he heads into the finish line.
“I don’t want to put an exact time, but we’re hoping he’s close to that PREM spot when we get back from Europe.”
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