Wales set to see another young star choose England

WALES are set to miss out on another talent as west Walian Kane James looks set to play for England.

Originally from Haverforwest, and turning 19 next week, James represents Exeter Chiefs at club level and has just put pen to paper on a new four-year contract.

James has been capped by Wales at U18 level, but switched to England after signing for Chiefs last season. James’ father Chris, who came from a Welsh-speaking family in Fishguard, clarified the situation on his son’s international allegiances.

“Kane is English-qualified because I was born in Bristol,” said Chris to The Rugby Paper in an interview with Peter Jackson.

“And that was only because my dad had worked for the MoD and he moved there with his job.

“He [Kane] is on a two-year development programme with the England U20s. He is fully embedded in their squad, loving life at Sandy Park and the club’s culture. There’s no doubt that it works well for him. He really has made great strides in a short time.

“I’m Welsh through and through, from a Welsh-speaking family. I’m proud to be a boy from Fishguard, where there’s been a fair bit of Kane-mania in recent weeks.

“I played senior rugby for Swansea and Newbridge and I’m about to start a coaching session with Cross Keys as we speak.

“I’ll admit I found it difficult when Wales played England in the U20 Six Nations a few weeks back. There I was singing the Welsh national anthem with my son playing for England. However, when I saw how happy he was and how much he has developed as a player, I felt very proud.

“He’s my son and has aspirations to play international rugby. Yes, I’d like to see him in a Welsh shirt but if England is better for him, so be it. Kane is a very similar player to Ben Earl. He’s way off being that good but then he is only 18. We’ll see.”

With Immanuel Feyi-Waboso also snubbing Wales (albeit in favour of pursuing his medical studies), it adds another rising star to the list of players who have slipped through Wales’ grasp.