**Wales Urged to Pursue England U20 Star for Summer Tour to Japan**
The debate around talent retention and development in Welsh rugby has taken a fresh twist, with calls intensifying for the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) to make a bold move in recruiting England Under-20s star Kane James this summer. The young backrower, currently turning heads with his performances for England’s age-grade teams, could potentially be the catalyst for rejuvenation within the Wales senior squad on their upcoming tour to Japan.
As part of the WRU’s “One Wales” strategy, attention has been focused not just on enticing established Welsh-qualified players back home, but more crucially on preventing the migration of promising young talent to England. While high-profile examples such as Dafydd Jenkins, Christ Tshiunza, and Tommy Reffell plying their trade across the border are often debated, the underlying issue remains: Wales must act assertively to stem the outflow of their future stars at the earliest possible stage.
A recent minor victory for the WRU saw Wales U20 captain Harry Beddall secure a move from Leicester Tigers to the Dragons for the 2025/26 season. However, not all attempts in repatriation prove successful, with efforts to attract tighthead prop Sam Scott from Bristol Bears reportedly falling through. It is within this context that the spotlight now falls on Kane James, a No 8 with strong Welsh roots and a burgeoning reputation.
James, whose formative rugby years were spent in Haverfordwest and later St Peter’s in Cardiff, was snapped up by Exeter Chiefs and developed through their academy. Despite shining for England U20s throughout the past few seasons, his eligibility for Wales—and even New Zealand—adds an intriguing layer to his international prospects. The WRU previously claimed a coup by convincing Luke Evans to switch from England U18s to Wales U20s, marking significant progress in acquiring physically gifted young forwards. The case for James, however, is seen as even more urgent.
There is also historical precedent for players with similar backgrounds representing Wales at senior level. Ross Moriarty stands out as a notable instance of a player who began his professional journey within the English Premiership yet ultimately donned the red jersey. The incentive systems in English clubs, which reward the nurturing of English-qualified players, have made it increasingly difficult for Wales to secure and develop their finest young prospects. The fear of another situation akin to that of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, who now represents England despite being born in Cardiff, remains very real.
The timing for such a recruitment drive could be opportune. With uncertainty still surrounding who will coach Wales this summer, whether on an interim or permanent basis, there exists an opportunity to set the tone for the next era of Welsh rugby. The rugby public is also acutely aware that Wales must not only expand their pool of international-quality players but elevate its calibre—and James, many argue, should be a key part of those long-term ambitions.
Standing out as a destructive ball-carrying forward, James combines power with a notable turn of speed and deft handling skills—attributes that would complement any back row. While still awaiting his breakthrough at senior level with Exeter, Chiefs’ director of rugby Rob Baxter has publicly backed James’ potential, likening his trajectory to former club stars Sam Simmonds and Dave Ewers. Baxter’s comments underline the high regard in which James is held within the English game: “He’s had a couple of man-of-the-match performances for England U20, and he’s feeling confident… If he trains and plays like he deserves to play, that’s how a young Sam Simmonds… got into the team.”
There is admittedly risk in fast-tracking a player for the sake of “capping” them, but James’ underlying talent suggests such a move would be justified by merit, not merely strategy. The tour of Japan is widely considered a must-win for Wales, yet it could also present the ideal platform for blooding a new generation of Test players. Names like Max Page and Morgan Morse—already tipped for imminent involvement—could be joined by James, further enhancing competition and depth within the ranks.
Ultimately, solidifying James’ allegiance to Wales would represent a statement of intent and serve as a boost to squad morale and depth. Integrating him into a young back row group featuring the likes of Taine Plumtree, Jac Morgan, Tommy Reffell, Aaron Wainwright, and Tshiunza would not only future-proof the national team, but signal to other dual-qualified talents that opportunities genuinely exist on home soil.
In summary, with the player drain to England continuing, the WRU faces a crucial decision. Kane James’ inclusion in the summer tour is not just about protecting an asset, but about actively shaping the future fortunes of Welsh rugby amid an increasingly competitive global landscape. The time for half measures is over—now is the moment to be bold.