Two young Premiership prospects are hunting a Wales breakthrough this November. Exeter back-row forward Kane James and Bath centre Louie Hennessey are aiming to make an impression with Wales in the Nations Championship, after spending the start of the week in Steve Tandy’s squad camp before returning to their clubs.
Kane James and Louie Hennessey (Credits: BBC Sport)
The one-cappers are part of a 14-strong contingent in Tandy’s squad who are employed in England. While established internationals Jac Morgan, Dewi Lake and Aaron Wainwright, plus Tomos Williams and Nicky Smith, moved over the border as seasoned Test players, James and Hennessey have earned international chances as Cardiff boys developed in England.
The pair will return to Wales next week with the aim of winning caps against Japan, New Zealand, Australia and another southern hemisphere opponent. They also know they have their work cut out against strong competition.
Kane James: Speed and Power in Wales’ Strongest Department
James is fighting for a spot in Wales’ strongest department, with Morgan and Wainwright nailed-on starters against Japan, fitness permitting. James Botham, Alex Mann, Taine Basham and Taine Plumtree are the other contenders as 21-year-old Chiefs flanker James tries to make his mark.
“It’s pretty stacked. There is good competition but a competitive squad is only going to boost us,” said James, who faced Argentina in July. “It’s similar at Exeter, we’ve got one hell of a back-row. Being more involved in the senior squad has helped me improve massively.”
“I’d like to think that I bring something different with my speed and power,” he added. “I just like to get my hands on the ball, use my footwork and pace.” The flanker has featured four times in the Prem so far this season and made telling contributions off the bench in Exeter’s narrow Champions Cup loss at Toulouse, all while combining professional rugby with an accounting and finance degree as a part-time student at Exeter University.
James played for England Under-20s and was eligible for New Zealand through his mother Audrey, who is from the Pacific island of Niue — but Wales was always the dream. “It’s always been my dream and passion to play for Wales,” said James, who was born in Pembrokeshire but grew up in Cardiff. “I grew up watching the likes of Taulupe Faletau and Sam Warburton play in the back row for Wales.” His debut came in San Juan against Argentina, after a marathon trip for his father Chris — Cardiff to Heathrow, via Barcelona and Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires, then on to San Juan. Now James would love a first taste of Cardiff backing at Principality Stadium.
Louie Hennessey: The Versatile Centre Option
Hennessey offers Tandy a different kind of option. Wales have not truly settled on a midfield partnership under the head coach, and the versatile Bath centre, who prefers the 13 jersey, has already shown he belongs at the top level — he started opposite France star Damian Penaud in the 2026 Champions Cup semi-finals.
For both Cardiff boys, November is the chance to turn a single cap into a real international career. With fixtures against Japan, New Zealand and Australia on the horizon, the Nations Championship stage does not get much bigger.
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Source: BBC Sport — read the full story there.
