Welsh rugby: The ecstasy and agony of selection for Wales players

Exeter back row Kane James is one of the new faces and probably the most exciting selection.

The 21-year-old was born and raised in Wales, but after moving to England aged 16 to continue his education, James played for England Under-20s in 2024, winning the age group’s world championships that same year.

He has opted for Wales, although James is currently part of Exeter’s England qualified player (EQP) stocks that are required for each Prem club.

That will change if he wins his first Wales cap and becomes ineligible for Steve Borthwick’s side.

James is one of 14 England-based players in Tandy‘s squad, with that set to rise next season when Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake join Gloucester and Aaron Wainwright links up with Leicester.

Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter says there will be challenges for his club over James’ Wales call-up.

“We view Kane as a frontline player this season, but at the same time, you also want a team with international players,” said Baxter.

“How we manage our EQP numbers will be a challenge, but that’s what we’ll have to do as these things happen.”

Baxter’s more pressing consideration is when James will be fit because he has not played since an ankle injury in the Challenge Cup win against Cardiff in January required surgery.

“My bigger concern is how little rugby’s he played this season and where he’ll actually end up by the end of the season, how match-fit he’ll be or how ready he’ll be for full contact, match playing,” said Baxter.

“He’s had multiple injuries to his ankle, so he’s had two or three bits operated on.

“He’s getting back. He was straight line pitch running, that’s as far as he’s got at the minute.”

Wales will play until mid-July when Exeter will be into their pre-season campaign with Baxter outlining the benefits of James staying with the club this summer.

“What would benefit Kane a lot would be a full pre-season,” said Baxter.

“Having had a disrupted season, a full pre-season would probably be a bigger positive for his career going forward.

“But at the same time, we are coming into a World Cup season, which probably weighs on his mind also.

“So there’s going to be ups and downs when you’re dealing with young players who haven’t yet been capped. We have to help Kane negotiate those challenges.”