Steve Borthwick has admitted making overtures towards in-demand Exeter wing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso ahead of the Six Nations.
The 21-year-old wing was born and bred in Cardiff, but has landed at Exeter Chiefs by way of a short-lived stint at Wasps.
The talented finisher only left Wales to pursue a medical degree at Birmingham’s Aston University after failing to secure a place at Cardiff University.
Feyi-Waboso moved to Wasps to coincide with his studies in 2022, only to end up at Exeter after his new club fell into administration.
A maiden call-up for Wales’ Six Nations squad has appeared in the offing, but now England’s rival interest has been confirmed.
“I have chatted to him yes,” said Borthwick.
“I will name a Six Nations squad on January 17 and what the players need to do is play well and earn their place in the selection.
“It is a competitive mix. I’m seeing a lot of good performances.”
Another left-field name on Borthwick’s England radar is that of Exeter back-row forward Ethan Roots.
The 24-year-old former Ospreys flanker broke through at North Harbour in his native New Zealand – but qualifies for the Red Rose men through his England-born father.
“There’s a lot of players who are performing impressively, the likes of Ethan Roots,” said Borthwick.
“There’s Greg Fisilau too, and then there are others who have got over the disappointment of not making the World Cup and handled that in a really impressive manner.
“Tommy Freeman and Henry Slade have been excellent.
“The guys who have come back from the World Cup have played a lot, and have had a lot of minutes. Maro Itoje’s playing very well, Ben Earl’s back from injury and it’s great to see him back, and Alex Mitchell is in form too.
“There’s a lot of competition for places right now.”
