'Explosive' James named in extended Wales Nations Championship squad
Exeter's Kane James is a former England Under-20s World Cup winner
©RFU Collection via JMP UK
Wales head coach Steve Tandy has named an extended 48-man training squad ahead of the inaugural Nations Championship.
Tandy’s side will play four matches during the summer, beginning against the Barbarians at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham on June 27, before facing Fiji at the Cardiff City Stadium on July 3.
They will then travel to face Argentina and South Africa in consecutive weeks.
Tandy has named six uncapped players, including Exeter Chiefs back row Kane James and Harlequins centre Bryn Bradley.
Elsewhere, Ospreys tighthead prop Ben Warren and Dragons flanker Ryan Woodman are recalled, while Harrison Keddie and Rhys Barratt receive call-ups for the first time.
There are also returns for co-captains Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake.
Gallagher Prem duo James and Bradley called up
Perhaps the most exciting call-ups ahead of the summer matches are the selections of James and Bradley from the Gallagher Prem.
After previously representing England at age-grade level, James has switched allegiance back to the country of his birth after making 16 appearances for Rob Baxter’s side this season.
“I think probably the big thing I like about him is that he can play anywhere in the back row,” said Tandy.
“He’s got pace, he’s explosive, and he’s really smart in how he sees things, both on and off the field with his study.
“I like how he’s come back from his injury. There’s so much to like about Kane and the way he attacks.
“He’s in a big team in England and makes massive impacts when he comes off the bench as well, so I’m super excited about his all-round ability, to be honest.”
Meanwhile, Bradley has scored three tries in his last three games, including a brace in Harlequins’ massive 76-17 win over Newcastle Red Bulls on Sunday. Tandy was pleased with how hard the Quins centre had worked to break into the side.
“I like the way he’s gone about it,” added Tandy.
“Working his way into the team, he’s had to work hard because it’s a good squad down there on both sides of the ball.
“He’s a big and athletic young man. He’s driven to be better. He only adds to our depth in a very competitive pool. I’m really excited about that.”
Travel logistics “an exciting challenge”
The national side will rack up plenty of air miles during the summer with matches in Argentina and South Africa.
The Welsh head coach hopes travel will not become an excuse despite the squad covering more than 11,000 miles.
“It’s going to be a couple of flights,” said Tandy.
“So I think there are still bits and pieces being worked out. I know Martyn (Williams - Wales team manager) has been away on recces as well.
“But again, it’s about making sure we’re not making excuses about it.
“It is going to be challenging, but I think that’s the exciting bit for us as a group, going into the unknown. But you’re going in there together, and it’ll be the same for every team, I think. It’s going to be amazing as well.
“I think we can look at all the stuff that we think will hinder us or whatever, but I think it’s awesome.
“We’ve got Fiji in Cardiff, and then we’re off to play two of the best teams in the world away from home. For us, it’s just going to be exciting. There will be a couple of logistical challenges, but ultimately that’s part of what we do.”
“It’s a great story” as Keddie returns to international rugby 10 years after U20s success
A decade ago, Harrison Keddie won the Under-20s Six Nations with Wales and was one of the standout performers when he won player of the match against England and scored a brace in the Grand Slam decider against Italy.
However, a difficult spell with injuries meant a senior call-up never arrived.
But after a series of impressive performances in the URC and EPCR Challenge Cup for the Dragons, he has now earned a place in the squad.
“It’s a great story", said Tandy.
“Sometimes in these situations, you can give younger players the opportunity. He's been at the Dragons for 10 years and has seen some tough times, but he's come through it as the Dragons have developed.
“Everyone who has spoken about him says he’s an unbelievable trainer. He delivers on the field as well. He's physical. You saw that on the field on the weekend [v Edinburgh].
“It’s a great story, but he’s an outstanding rugby player. It’s always exciting to give these guys an opportunity to come into the environment and show what they can do. It also raises the ceiling.
“It was the same with Harri Deaves. I remember when he came in, it felt like he knew he could do it. Harrison has earned this opportunity. You're not just giving it out because it's a nice thing to do, he's earned this opportunity. It's well-deserved.”
