Wales want England star to swap nations as part of their rebuild
03/20/2025 07:20 AM
Kane James could soon be swapping his white England jersey for a red one, with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) plotting a bold move to bring the England U20s star back home.
The Exeter Chiefs back-row, who was born in Cardiff, has strong ties to Wales despite representing England at age-grade level.
A powerful and dynamic loose forward, James has developed rapidly within the Exeter setup, earning a reputation for his physicality, work rate, and impressive breakdown skills.
He was part of the England U20s squad that took on Wales in the U20 Six Nations, starting in their 23-13 defeat at the Arms Park last Friday night.
James, whose family remains closely connected to Wales, was previously involved with Cardiff's academy setup before moving to England, where he progressed through the ranks.
His performances for Exeter's age-grade teams quickly caught the attention of England's selectors, leading to his inclusion in the U20s squad.
According to MailOnline, the WRU are “plotting to recruit James” as part of their long-term strategy to strengthen the nation’s future squad.
Meanwhile, WalesOnline reports that the Cardiff-born talent has been on the Union's radar for some time, and confidence is high that James will eventually commit to Wales — unlike fellow Welsh-born England U20s teammate Kepu Tuipulotu, who appears set to stick with England.
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Four uncapped England players Steve Borthwick should call up this summer
As Steve Borthwick looks to build depth in England's squad ahead of the next World Cup cycle, a summer series presents the perfect opportunity to blood fresh talent.
With several experienced names likely heading on the Lions tour, these four uncapped players deserve a shot to make their mark in the white jersey.
FOUR UNCAPPED PLAYERS:
Gabriel Ibitoye – Harlequins (Wing)
A lethal finisher with footwork to rival the best, Gabriel Ibitoye has been electric since returning to Harlequins after stints in France and Israel. The 26-year-old brings a unique blend of pace, power, and unpredictability that England's backline has sorely missed.
Ibitoye's ability to create something out of nothing makes him a nightmare for defenders, and his defensive work has also improved significantly. If Borthwick wants a dynamic threat out wide, Ibitoye is ready to answer the call.
Max Ojomoh – Bath (Centre)
A classy operator in the midfield, Max Ojomoh has been knocking on the England door for a while. With smooth distribution, intelligent running lines, and a solid defensive presence, the Bath centre offers a well-rounded skillset.
Ojomoh's ability to play at inside centre or shift to 13 gives Borthwick tactical flexibility, and his understanding of space makes him a creative link between the forwards and backs. With Ollie Lawrence a regular now, pairing him with Ojomoh could add another dimension to England's attack.
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