PARTISAN observers in Wales were poring over Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's family tree when the Cardiff-born Exeter wing popped up in England's Six Nations squad.
When it came to pledging international allegiance, however, the 21-yearold rising star opted to take a leaf out of his parents' and grandparents' medical careers.
Feyi-Waboso is every bit as focused on following in his family footsteps to become a doctor as he is about cutting it at Test level with Steve Borthwick's England.
So, once Cardiff University had rejected his application, despite three A*s at A-Level, Feyi-Waboso now candidly admits the path had opened for him to go on and choose England.
Asked if he had ever wondered what might have been had he been accepted by Cardiff, Feyi-Waboso replied: "Not really, no. As soon as I didn't get in, I didn't think about it again, to be fair." Wales boss Warren Gatland's reaction to a former Cardiff academy starlet declaring for England was to reveal other coaches in the country were "disappointed" in the young wing's decision.
Wales ultimately should be disappointed with their own mishandling of a young player's wider career aspirations.
Where Cardiff and the city's university were disjointed, Exeter Chiefs have worked hand in hand with the Devon city's seat of learning.
Denne historien er fra February 15, 2024-utgaven av Evening Standard.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra February 15, 2024-utgaven av Evening Standard.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Don't Want Botox? Then Try These Alternatives
From microcurrents to lasers, there are other ways to tackle ageing skin, says Madeleine Spencer
It's high time the Borthwick regime delivers on promise
England boss needs a statement win and the All Blacks are up first
Bukayo Saka
The making of a London icon
Even Ridley Scott thinks our big screens are epic
Outernet is now one of London's top attractions --but the man behind it isn't resting on his laurels
Laura Bailey on why Margate is her favourite escape in the UK
Incredible light, sea air, galleries galore and only two hours from Victoria: it's the model and photographer's dreamland...
The Old Operating Theatre
St Thomas Street, SE1
Can drugs like Ozempic really help to getthe economy firing again?
Labour's plan to give the unemployed weight-loss jabs may have unintended consequences, reports William Hosie
AI is the new frontier of perfumery...But just how fragrantare these scents?
Choosing a signature scent is a highly personal experience. Not only do preferences differ greatly, but certain perfumes react differently depending on your skin. Bergamot top notes may be intoxicating on one person's wrist, but seem soapy on another.
Is it time to ditch the apps and embrace the science of love at first sight?
The chemistry of love isn't just a romantic ideal - it's a scientific reality, discovers
A poetic puzzlebox
This lyrical novel sets out to dazzle and terrify