Feyi-Waboso and Mitchell poised for surprise returns in Prem final

Exeter wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Northampton scrum-half Alex Mitchell are set to make surprise returns to their club sides for Saturday's Prem final at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium.

Feyi-Waboso is recovering from surgery for a facial fracture sustained in Chiefs' win over Leicester at the end of May, while Mitchell strained his hamstring while taking part in an England training camp the previous week.

Both were thought unlikely to recover in time to play any further part in the domestic season, but England head coach Steve Borthwick says they are on course to make Saturday's showdown.

"They are at their clubs trying to be fit for the game this weekend," Borthwick told BBC Sport.

"For Manny [Feyi-Waboso], with full consultation with the medical specialists who worked with him at his club, the plan is that he goes through a period of preparation this week and, if it all goes well, he will hopefully be available for selection this weekend.

"Phil Morrow [England head of performance] was up in Northampton watching Alex train just a few days ago. With these things, they pass through different markers, pass through what's required to be ready to play. If that continues through the week, then he'd be available for selection for Northampton Saints, all being well."

As part of enhanced elite player squad (EPS) contracts introduced in 2024, England have the final say on the treatment, conditioning and match availability of their top stars.

In the past, that has led to conflict. England and Exeter's medical staffs publicly disagreed over treatment Feyi-Waboso received for a previous shoulder injury, with one advocating rehabilitation and the other favouring immediate surgery.

Phil Dowson, Northampton's director of rugby, has spoken of his "frustration" over Mitchell's injury,, external which occurred on an alignment camp, three months after a similar injury playing against Ireland in the Six Nations.

However, Borthwick says the process is more collaborative than portrayed and that, even with a demanding summer schedule comprising matches against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina in view, he is keen on his England players being in the highest-profile club games.

"I want players to play in big games; games where there are trophies on the line, games where there are consequences, games where they're going to perform with the incredible effect of pressure upon them," he said.

"That's the best preparation for Test match rugby. I've always believed that."

Both Feyi-Waboso and Mitchell's returns are timely for their teams.

Exeter wing Campbell Ridl came off with an apparent injury in their semi-final win over Bath, which Feyi-Waboso watched among a group of away fans at The Rec.

Twenty-one year-old Archie McParland has deputised excellently during Mitchell's absence, but the experience of England's first-choice scrum-half, potentially off the bench, would be welcome as back-up for such a big match.