Immanuel Feyi-Waboso was forced off after half an hour during Exeter Chiefs’ Challenge Cup semi-final defeat to Ulster. The match ended with a score of 29-12.
Feyi-Waboso had passed his head injury assessment but could not return after being reviewed by an independent doctor. Jacob Stockdale received a sin-bin for a high tackle on him.
Rob Baxter, Exeter’s coach, expressed confusion over the incident. He described it as “perplexing” and questioned the current protocols for assessing players with head injuries.
Baxter noted, “It doesn’t add up, does it?” He added that while it created frustration, he was relieved Feyi-Waboso passed his HIA.
Feyi-Waboso had recently returned to form, scoring four tries in four matches after recovering from a hamstring injury. His absence could impact Exeter’s performance moving forward.
The referee halted play immediately after Feyi-Waboso lay on the ground following the collision. This incident has reignited discussions about player safety and the adequacy of current protocols in rugby.
Officials have not provided clarity on whether any changes will be made to head injury assessments following this incident. Baxter’s remarks reflect growing concerns within rugby union regarding player welfare.
