Chris James, contact-area coach of Cross Keys and regional age-grade coach of Cardiff, doesn’t hesitate to give an answer, one that makes this Six Nations whitewash more alarming than the last one a generation ago.
“No,” he says. “Sad to say, it’s not.” For a Welshman ‘proud and passionate’ of his country and his birth into a Welsh-speaking family from Fishguard, the question could not possibly be of greater personal relevance to any of his compatriots, however proud and passionate, than it is right now for Chris James.
Why? Because his teenaged son, Kane, is the latest example of a Welsh player blazing a winning trail for England, in his case as a member of the Red Roses’ unbeaten run to the Six Nations U20’s title.
That Exeter have wasted no time rewarding him with a four-year contract says everything about the potential of a multi-purpose back row forward who turns 19 next week. He is not the first of the brightest and best of Wales’ youngest generation to be secured on long-term contracts by the Chiefs of the English Premiership.
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso led the way in spectacular fashion, illuminating Twickenham with his first start for England when they dared to ambush Ireland’s second successive Grand Slam a fortnight ago. The roads taken by ‘Manny’ and Kane bear a series of striking similarities.
This story is from the March 24, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 24, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
England can find a little bit of cheer
SO HERE we are on the final day of England’s autumn international series with all of us hoping and expecting Steve Borthwick’s team to win today after three weeks of bitter disappointment.
Stop messing with Marcus - Campese
DAVID Campese believes England are going backwards under Steve Borthwick, who is ‘messing around’ with talisman Marcus Smith.
Being a Lion was the highlight of my career
I PLAYED 19 games and scored 219 points for the Lions, on the tours to South Africa in 1968 and New Zealand in 1971, but I never played in a Test and that was fair enough.
Cook's crew not fazed as they eye tilt at top half
THERE appear to be few signs of second season syndrome at Westcombe Park as captain Nick Cook reveals the group aren’t even contemplating the threat of relegation and are instead targeting a top-half finish.
Forwards pack a punch for the Reds
OLD Redcliffians produced a proud defensive effort to take a bonus-point win.
Tom 'Ailes' the achievements of inspirational skipper Riley
SEDGLEY Park No. 8 Tom Ailes says his team relish the competitive nature of National One and is confident the Tigers can rectify their rocky start to the season in weeks to come.
Strachan confident Ampthill will be firing again soon
FRASER Strachan is determined to put Ampthill’s leaky defensive showings behind them and gain some much needed confidence in the run up to Christmas.
It's a whole new ball game for Rigg
WILL Rigg’s ambition was to become a professional cricketer but it is the oval ball rather than The Oval that is his driver now.
Scarratt leads the way for Lightning
LOUGHBOROUGH won a wet and windy East Midlands Derby after having the bonus point in the bag by half-time.
Becconsall: We need to release pressure
WILL Becconsall says Exeter are not spooked by the threat of relegation as they look to turn around their Premiership campaign after starting with six straight defeats.
