Kane James may be one of the most exciting additions to Wales’ extended summer squad. Still, Rob Baxter has admitted the back-row’s international call-up comes with significant concerns for Exeter Chiefs.
The 21-year-old No.8 was included in Steve Tandy’s wider Wales training group earlier this week after committing his international future to Wales despite previous involvement with England U20s.
James, born in Haverfordwest, is one of the brightest young forwards in the Premiership.
But he has not featured for Exeter since their Challenge Cup win over Cardiff due to ongoing ankle issues.
Baxter worried by lack of rugby before potential Wales debut
While Baxter acknowledged the prestige of producing international players, the Exeter director of rugby admitted he would rather see James complete a full pre-season in Devon after such a disrupted campaign.
“He’s had multiple injuries to his ankle, so he’s had two or three bits operated on,” Baxter said.
“He’s getting back. He was straight line pitch running, that’s as far as he’s got at the minute.”
Baxter’s concern is less about James representing Wales and more about the physical demands of international rugby after such a lengthy absence.
“My bigger concern is probably how little rugby he’s played this season and where he’ll actually end up by the end of the season, how match fit he’ll actually be or how ready he’ll be for full contact, full match playing.”
James is in line to feature during Wales’ summer campaign against Fiji, Argentina and South Africa in the inaugural Nations Championship, but Baxter suggested a steady return may ultimately benefit the player more long-term.
“I think, actually, what would benefit Kane a lot would be a pre-season,” he added.
“A full pre-season, having had a disrupted season this season, would probably be a bigger positive for his career going forward.”
Wales call-up also creates Exeter selection headache
There is also a club impact behind the scenes.
Once James wins his first Wales cap, he will lose his England Qualified Player (EQP) status, something that affects Premiership clubs under RFU regulations and funding structures.
Baxter admitted that losing an EQP player complicates Exeter’s squad planning moving forward.
“I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t make things any easier for us,” he said.
“We certainly view Kane as a frontline player this season. But at the same time, you also want a team with international players.”
Exeter, like several Premiership clubs, must carefully balance EQP numbers within their wider squad build, making James’ international switch both a rugby and financial consideration.
A major opportunity for one of Wales’ most promising forwards
Despite the concerns, Wales clearly see James as part of the next generation under Steve Tandy.
Among six uncapped players in the 48-man squad, the back-rower arrives with a significant pedigree, having impressed in the Premiership before injury halted his momentum.
With Wales entering a World Cup cycle and looking to refresh their depth, James’ size, athleticism and carrying ability make him an intriguing option in the back-row.
Baxter acknowledged that reality too.
“We are coming into a World Cup season, which probably weighs on his mind as well,” he said.
“There’s always going to be ups and downs when you’re dealing with young players who haven’t yet been capped. We just have to help Kane negotiate all those challenges.”
For Wales, James represents long-term potential.
For Exeter, the hope is that international rugby does not arrive before his body is fully ready for it.
