Latest news with #ExeterChiefs
South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Claudia MacDonald thankful to be back with Red Roses
It was in February 2024 that the Exeter Chiefs winger suffered a neck injury that left her unable to move her arms and legs. That was the second serious neck injury of her career and left her contemplating her rugby future but fast-forward 12 months and she was back on the pitch and part of the England squad that claimed the Grand Slam. Not only that, despite huge competition in the back three, MacDonald performed well enough to earn a starting role in the Grand Slam decider at Allianz Stadium against France. It is a comeback that has involved a huge amount of work, both physically, but also psychologically. She explained: 'Any injury derails you, I've had a few of those in the past that have certainly made me question what would be possible from a rugby point of view in the future. You then live the process of coming back and it all becomes a lot more natural. 'The next thing you would want is to be here in pre-season and pushing yourself. Sometimes it's really important to take a step back and give yourself some perspective and look at the journey as a whole. 'Just being here and making it back to an England environment, being involved in that Six Nations that we just played, that was huge. I certainly didn't think that was going to be the case a year ago. 'I worked quite a bit with the psychologist who spoke to me a lot about the fact we talk about 'return to play'. 'The injury might be 12 weeks and at the end of the 12 weeks, you expect to play a game. She gave me another one which was 'return to performance'. 'In my head, I think before that conversation, it was that you get out on the pitch at the end of the injury whereas obviously especially with the injury I had and it's the case with a lot of longer-term injuries, getting out on the pitch is the big first tick but there are so many more ticks after that. 'So I tried to stay focused on small targets along the way. I wanted to get out there, then I wanted to make a tackle, run with the ball. I gave myself another period of time until I had this return to performance and pride in how I was playing. That was really big for me because it meant I was able to give myself some leniency.' After impressing for England as they continued a winning streak that dates all the way back to the last World Cup final, MacDonald is back training with the Red Roses as they gear up to host the tournament. They enter as favourites after a dominant stretch, although the Grand Slam decider against France ended up being a one-point game – only the second time that a team has finished within a score against England since 2022 – Les Bleues also did so two years ago. Three years ago, MacDonald travelled to the World Cup with an England team that was also favoured to win the tournament, eventually losing 34-31 to hosts New Zealand in the final. During that campaign, she was initially selected as a scrum-half, before shifting to wing by the time the action started. In fact, her only appearance at scrum-half came in the final after Leanne Infante was a late withdrawal, with MacDonald acting as cover for starter Lucy Packer. She said: 'The last World Cup, I trained as a scrum-half and thought I was going out to the World Cup as a scrum-half. But in training, we had four nines consistently and only had three wingers so one of us was always training on the wing. 'I probably enjoyed it far more than the other scrum-halves enjoyed it. I was a winger before I was a scrum-half, I've flip-flopped between the two. It was a big part of what I did, the ability to play both. When I had opportunities to train on the wing, I threw myself at it. 'Since that World Cup, I've been solidly a winger, I'm guessing if something happened and we needed someone at scrum-half, I'd like to hope they would put me in.' Fit again, and with that versatility to her name, MacDonald is ready to play a starring role for the Red Roses this summer. Purchase your tickets to the Autumn Nations Series at Allianz Stadium
The Independent
21-06-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's horror hit defines England's frustrating day and poses further questions
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has been in a race against time to make it to Australia with the British and Irish Lions but any lingering hopes of that ended with a red card in an England XV defeat to a France XV at Allianz Stadium. Sidelined for six months with a dislocated shoulder he suffered against Sale in December, the winger was looking to make up for lost time in his first game back but instead produced a horror high tackle on Antoine Hastoy in the first half of the 26-24 loss. His lack of game time had effectively ended any hopes of a Lions call-up, but with a strong showing here and on England's tour of Argentina, there were hopes that the 22-year-old might make a case for being next in line in case of injury. Steve Borthwick said before the game that Feyi-Waboso had been 'full of enthusiasm and full of energy' ahead of his return to action. And yet in the half-hour he had on the pitch, the rust was obvious. A minute in he knocked the ball on in the French in-goal area when it seemed he would make a dream comeback. Another knock-on followed midway through the first half before the key moment of the match. After a grubber through that he was never going to be able to chase down, the Exeter winger raced to try to close down Hastoy. In a rush of blood he leapt and caught the La Rochelle fly half clear around the neck in the sort of old-fashioned clothesline tackle that has been eradicated from the game. Even in the era of bunker reviews and 20-minute red cards, this should have resulted in instant permanent exclusion. Instead, Feyi-Waboso was shown a yellow card which was quickly upgraded to red, with England down to 14 for 20 minutes rather than 50. He will face a disciplinary hearing that will surely result in a ban that would keep him out of at least the Argentinian portion of England's summer tour, with Borthwick admitting the winger was distraught at the incident. 'He's gutted,' said Borthwick. 'You all know Manny. He's a good guy who tries his heart out. We'll all get round him and find out the situation in the next 24 hours.' Away from the red card, there were positives for Borthwick to take, as his side overcame an early 12-0 lead to take control of the game. They managed 24 unanswered points in front of the 34,129 supporters at a humid Allianz Stadium. But late tries from Guillaume Marchand and Romain Taofifenua ensured it was France's day, Hastoy converting with the clock in the red to earn a small measure of revenge for the one-point defeat they suffered here during the Six Nations. After Feyi-Waboso's early knock-on, it was France who struck first, Gaetan Barlot taking advantage of consecutive maul penalties to force his way over. Les Bleus made it 12-0 after a gliding run from the classy Theo Attissogbe, setting up Pau teammate Hugo Auradou, even if there looked to be a doubt over the grounding. England responded through Tom Willis from close range after some extended pressure, although George Ford, co-captain on the day, was fortunate to be awarded the conversion after the shot clock in the stadium had expired well before he put boot to ball. That was quickly followed by a try from Alex Coles as the French tackles started to slip off. Ford's conversion was just wide this time. Even with Feyi-Waboso seeing yellow then red, the home side were in the ascendancy and they hit the front on the stroke of half-time. Debutant Seb Atkinson juggled a ball in midfield causing the French defence to stutter. When he regathered and burst through, it seemed he would score himself but he ended up offloading to another newcomer, Joe Carpenter, for the third try. Leading 19-12 at the break, France looked to have levelled just before the hour-mark with a stunning try from Leo Berdeu's brilliant high-ball catch when Emilien Gailleton burst through a gap and sent Nolann Le Garrec over for a try. That was ruled out as Cameron Woki was spotted having connected with Jamie George's head at a ruck in the build-up – an incident missed by the officials and highlighted by the England co-captain. The fact that Woki's yellow card was later upgraded to red was a shock when compared to the Feyi-Waboso incident. England looked to be home and dry when Alex Dombrandt crashed over on the right with 20 minutes remaining, but they could not deliver the killer blow. Marchand's try from a rolling maul set up a grandstand finish, and after some late English indiscipline, the experienced Taofifenua forced his way over and Hastoy converted from in front. Having seen Argentina beat the Lions in Dublin on Friday night, England know the scale of the task that now awaits them in La Plata and San Juan. That challenge will now almost certainly be without one of their biggest X-factors.
Telegraph
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
Watch: Immanuel Feyi-Waboso shown red card after horror high tackle
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's first game since December ended in a red card after he was sent off with just 33 minutes on the clock for a reckless high tackle on Antoine Hastoy in the uncapped fixture between England and France at Twickenham. The incident will now lead to a suspension that could wipe out any prospect of Feyi-Waboso touring this summer. The Exeter Chiefs wing, featuring in his first match of any kind since dislocating his shoulder in a Premiership encounter against Sale Sharks on December 21 last year, was chasing his own grubber when Hastoy received an in-field pass from Maël Moustin. Feyi-Waboso tracked the ball and stayed upright, his right arm swinging into the head of Hastoy. Referee Hollie Davidson whistled for a penalty immediately and initially showed a yellow card to Feyi-Waboso while referring the incident to her bunker official. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's tackle. #ENGvFRA — Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) June 21, 2025 There, it was upgraded to a 20-minute red card, meaning that Steve Borthwick was able to replace Feyi-Waboso after that amount of time. It is likely that he will face a two-week sanction at the very least. That would be dependent on the challenge being categorised as a low-entry offence and Feyi-Waboso having his punishment reduced by a week thanks to World Rugby's coaching intervention programme, commonly known as 'tackle school'. In theory, that would leave him eligible to face USA on July 19 after the two-Test series against Argentina. The 22-year-old could face a longer ban if the tackle is deemed to be a mid-range offence. Hastoy stayed on the pitch and did not require a head injury assessment, though Feyi-Waboso's lack of control and his speed upon colliding with the Frenchman will be factored into any decision. Earlier in the game, Feyi-Waboso had spilled the ball with his first two touches, the first one over the France try-line as he was put in space on the left wing. Indeed, his red card caps a difficult campaign. As a player to hold an enhanced elite player squad (EPS) contract, his medical care should be managed carefully by England. Confusion over whether Feyi-Waboso should undergo surgery for his shoulder injury, with England initially hopeful that he could appear in this season's Six Nations, led to a longer lay-off and left him without a match between December and June.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
England XV v France XV team news: Immanuel Feyi-Waboso makes his injury return
Exeter Chiefs winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso will play his first game in 2025 after being named in Steve Borthwick's England XV to play a France XV at Allianz Stadium on Saturday. Feyi-Waboso has been sidelined since December after dislocating his shoulder against Sale Sharks on club duty and has now had surgery on both shoulders, but has been passed fit to make his playing return in the warm-up game ahead of the summer Test series in Argentina, with a stop off to face the USA on the way home. Advertisement England boss Steve Borthwick has named a relatively experienced side for the game against France, despite having 13 players away with the British and Irish Lions. George Ford and Jamie George are named as co-captains of the team in the non-capped game. READ MORE: Finley Craske and Lirak Hasani turn down Torquay United deals READ MORE: Kieran Wilson hoping to make pre-season impression with Exeter City Ted Hill on the blindside flank, and his club teammate and last weekend's Premiership Final player of the match Guy Pepper on the openside, are two of three Bath players dropped straight into the side, with Blue, Black and White club captain Ben Spencer at nine, partnering Ford at half-back. Advertisement In midfield, Gloucester's uncapped centre Seb Atkinson lines up at 12 with Henry Slade outside him at 13. Going Feyi-Waboso in the back three are Tom Roebuck on the right, and Joe Carpenter at full-back. Theo Dan, Bevan Rodd, Trevor Davison, Chandler Cunningham-South, Jack Kenningham, Alex Dombrandt, Raffi Quirke and Oscar Beard are named as replacements. 'We're excited to be playing at Allianz Stadium and to test ourselves against a strong French side,' said Borthwick. 'I'm really looking forward to seeing this young team get out there and show what they're capable of. 'It's a great opportunity to take another step forward ahead of the summer Tour to Argentina and the US.' Advertisement England's summer Tour includes two Tests in Argentina, followed by a match against the USA in Washington, D.C. The Tour squad will be announced on Monday 23 June. ENGLAND XV v FRANCE XV 15. Joe Carpenter (Sale Sharks, uncapped) 14. Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks, 4 caps) 13. Henry Slade ( Exeter Chiefs, 72 caps) 12. Seb Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby, uncapped) 11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso ( Exeter Chiefs, 8 caps) 10. George Ford (Sale Sharks, 99 caps) – co-captain 9. Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby, 8 caps) 1. Fin Baxter (Harlequins, 11 caps) 2. Jamie George (Saracens, 101 caps) – co-captain 3. Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 12 caps) 4. Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, 7 caps) 5. Nick Isiekwe (Saracens, 15 caps) 6. Ted Hill (Bath Rugby, 4 caps) 7. Guy Pepper (Bath Rugby, uncapped) 8. Tom Willis (Saracens, 6 caps) Replacements: 16. Theo Dan (Saracens, 17 caps) 17. Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks, 7 caps) 18. Trevor Davison (Northampton Saints, 2 caps) 19. Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins, 15 caps) 20. Jack Kenningham (Harlequins, uncapped) 21. Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins, 20 caps) 22. Raffi Quirke (Sale Sharks, 2 caps) 23. Oscar Beard (Harlequins, uncapped)
Wales Online
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Man had urge to check emails at 4am - and found he'd won £4m
Man had urge to check emails at 4am - and found he'd won £4m Jon has now handed in his his notice with the police and wife Lucy is working out her notice at as a nurse Jon and Lucy have won almost £4million A police radio operator from has handed in his notice after winning £3,966,543 on the National Lottery. Jon Waring, 57, has been a radio operator at for 16 years., and wife, Lucy, 48, is working her notice as a nurse. Jon found out he had won after something made him wake up at 4am - and check his emails. The couple, from Paignton in Devon, who also have a 15-year-old daughter, are planning to take life at a more relaxed pace thanks to the Lotto jackpot win; And they already have their bucket list planned out with a Harley-Davidson trike topping the shopping list for Jon, whilst a hot tub is the number one priority for Lucy. A new family home – whilst remaining in the same area where Jon and Lucy have lived all of their lives – is also high on the wish list. Jon said news of the huge win, which saw him match six numbers in The National Lottery Lotto draw on 31 May, still doesn't feel real! He said, 'I keep thinking I am going to wake up from a dream!' Jon and Lucy are buying a trike, a new car, a hot tub and a new house The family are all keen musicians and plan to create a music room in their new home where they can all play as well as listen to their favourite bands. Jon added, 'This will be the perfect place to display the family's guitar collection – and potentially add to it too. As a family, we love rock music and now the world really is our oyster – we hope to get the chance to attend gigs up and down the country. This win will just enable us all to slow down, enjoy life – and of course hit that road on the sunny days ahead on our new trike' Article continues below Jon, who plays Lotto online via The National Lottery app, woke at 4am in the morning to discover he had won. He said: 'Something just made me go to check my emails and I saw an email saying I had won a prize. I went to Google the winning numbers and noticed there was just one winner – and knew it must have been me. "I couldn't quite believe it - I knew they were my numbers. I turned my tablet off – left it five minutes – and then turned it back on to double and triple check. I woke Lucy and she said, still half asleep, is it 1 April? I said no, it is June. 'We just could not believe it – there was no way we were getting back to sleep! We just sat and drank tea – we must have had 10 cups between us.' Jon and Lucy have retired early Jon, who is also a keen rugby fan, said a box at Exeter Chiefs and a trip to see the Lions tour are also on his wish list, together with a new car, an Audi Q7. He added: 'It's a complete change of lifestyle – it won't change us, but it will change what we can do! And the pace at which we do it too.' Jon said with the nature of his job, and Lucy's, it has been hard to get holidays to match up and the pair don't even have current passports. 'As a result of our shift work, we have not had a proper holiday together for a long, long time. We are now really looking forward to booking something and knowing we can just holiday when we choose! Perhaps a trip to New Orleans for the music. Article continues below 'It's all the things you dream about trying and seeing but know you never will - until something like this happens!' Jon has always played Lotto each week since the game started and now plays online. His winning Lotto numbers on Wednesday 31 May, 2025, were: 8, 11, 12, 16, 20 and 33.
