Steve Tandy Names 33-Player Wales Squad for Summer Six Nations
Steve Tandy, head coach of the Wales rugby team, has announced the 33 players selected for the squad competing in this summer's Six Nations Championship.
Following the victory against the Barbarians at Twickenham on 27 June, Wales will face Fiji on 4 July, followed by matches against Argentina and world champions South Africa.
Among the squad members is flanker Kane James, who is yet to earn his first international cap.
But who is Kane James? And what has been his journey toward the national team?
Cennydd Davies, BBC Cymru's chief rugby commentator, traces his background.
'Rugby an integral part of my childhood'
"There's no place like home" is a famous line from Gwyneth Glyn's song, which aptly summarizes Kane James's path to the team—from his childhood on the rugby field to being within reach of his first international cap for Wales.
His journey has been somewhat unconventional, born in the Haverfordwest area, then moving to Cardiff, receiving higher education across the border, and representing the Caerwysg club.
Until recently, the 21-year-old could easily have represented England rather than Wales.
"After moving from the west, I was raised in the capital and rugby was an integral part of my childhood," he said. "I have many fond memories of representing St Peters youth teams and the experience—and more importantly the enjoyment—I gained from that community was invaluable for my development.
"Moving to England was never really on the agenda but an opportunity arose to cross the border to pursue my dreams."
Scoring for England against Fiji at the 2024 Rugby World Cup in South Africa
It was no surprise that James's talents were noticed by several prestigious schools in England, and he received a scholarship to attend the renowned Sedbergh School in Cumbria.
The school has a distinguished history of nurturing and developing numerous stars who went on to represent England, including former captain Will Carling, Will Greenwood, and former centre and Lions coach John Spencer.
After representing Wales under-18s, concerns arose that his potential might never be realized for his homeland, especially when he was selected to represent England under-20s.
That team was crowned world champions in 2024.
Seeing James wear the white jersey against Wales last year almost added salt to the wound, although Wales secured a memorable victory on a special night at the Arms Park.
The flow across Offa's Dyke, of course, is not new; players such as Ross Moriaty, Matt Protheroe, and Ioan Jones from the Scarlets have all worn the white jersey before returning to Wales.
England's prestigious schools have been a strong temptation for many years, with facilities like Clifton, Hartpury, and Millfield being obvious attractions—and Millfield in Somerset played a key role in developing one of the greatest players ever, Sir Gareth Edwards.
'Wales was the only choice'
How much of a concern is this for the national team's future success, or is the tide turning?
"I had a golden opportunity to go to Sedbergh and it was hard to turn down," James said.
"But moving away isn’t for everyone. The academies in Wales have improved tremendously, and the players they produce demonstrate that.
"You only need to look at players like Steff and Ioan Emmanuel, Tom Bowen and myself; we went to England but ultimately decided Wales was the only choice."
Despite the ongoing desire to represent Wales, James was ready to reveal another key factor behind his decision: Wales head coach Steve Tandy, who was determined to persuade him to give up England.
For many years, there was criticism that Warren Gatland was not sufficiently 'alert' to those eligible and playing outside Wales—something contrary to the current coach and new system, according to James.
Playing for Caerwysg against Bristol at Ashton Gate last year
"He [Tandy] has been fantastic in communicating with me. He came down to Caerwysg to meet me, has been sending feedback and what I can do to improve my game, and has always kept the possibility open. I doubt many international coaches would be willing to travel to meet players as often as Steve."
Now in the squad for the summer, the goal is to realize his dream and earn that first cap.
"That would be incredible and emotional for me, my dad, and the whole family back in Abergwaun. I want to make an impression in the games—that’s the goal, and that one will be special."
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