Established internationals Jac Morgan, Dewi Lake and Aaron Wainwright have hit the ground running after summer moves to England, but a pair of Prem prospects are looking to make an impression as they return to Wales. Exeter back-row forward Kane James and Bath centre Louie Hennessey have spent the start of the week in the Wales camp and are now back with their clubs. Both are among 14 players employed in England in Steve Tandy's squad for the Nations Championship.
James, a 21-year-old Chiefs flanker who faced Argentina in July, is fighting for a place in Wales' strongest department alongside Morgan and Wainwright, who are nailed-on starters against Japan, fitness permitting. James Botham, Alex Mann, Taine Basham and Taine Plumtree are also in contention. "It's pretty stacked. There is good competition but a competitive squad is only going to boost us," said James. He says his speed and power set him apart, and his involvement in Exeter's senior squad has helped him improve massively. Born in Pembrokeshire and raised in Cardiff, he has long dreamed of playing for Wales.
Hennessey, who prefers the 13 jersey, faces competition from Max Llewellyn, Joe Hawkins and the uncapped Aneurin Owen. The 22-year-old from Llanishen, who won his first cap as a replacement against Ireland in the Six Nations, has learned from Bath's Ollie Lawrence, Max Ojomoh and Cameron Redpath. He has also benefited from working closely with Finn Russell. "It's the speed of thought with Finn," he said.
Both players will return to Wales next week with the aim of winning caps against Japan, New Zealand, Australia and another southern hemisphere opponent.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing