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Wales are looking to increase their player pool, with coach Steve Tandy believing Welsh-qualified stars outside of Wales can add huge value
Steve Tandy has revealed he’s spoken to rising talent Kane James about representing Wales in future.
James, who plays his club rugby for English Prem side Exeter Chiefs, has been in outstanding form for Rob Baxter’s side and had been talked about as a possible bolter for this tournament’s squad.
Unfortunately for the youngster he is set for an extended period on the sidelines after an injury at the weekend ruled him out of action for between two and three months.
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The Haverfordwest-born forward has represented England at age-grade level and is also eligible for New Zealand but he has made no secret of being open to a return to Wales as he targets Test rugby.
Tandy has now revealed he has held talks with the 20-year-old as Wales look to identify talents out there with Welsh links.
“He is definitely a player of interest as everyone is saying on TV,” Tandy said.
“He’s an outstanding talent. He’s a great young man as well. Kane would have definitely been… there’s lots of decisions for Kane to make as well.
“Any Welsh-qualified talent that is out there we are always going to look at them and always be interested because I think we can’t just focus on here.
“We’ve got to branch out in how we look at things and look at the special talents we’ve had over the years. From my time in Scotland as well you get a lot of those gems that add value from different environments.
“It creates a different stimulus as well. Lots of my learnings happened when you are away in different environments. All those kinds of things opens your mind and add value to us on and off the field.”
Asked specifically about direct talks, he added: “I spoke to Kane lots.
“I’ve spoken to lots of people but it’s more of a wider conversation.
“He’s a talented player. We talk about being connected to players and we are having conversations with lots of people because you never know when that opportunity may arise.”
