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The 20-year-old was handed a start by Exeter boss Rob Baxter but his outing didn’t last long
Welsh-born Kane James appeared to suffer a cruel setback to his international ambitions after being forced off injured just 12 minutes into Exeter Chiefs’ Challenge Cup clash with Cardiff Rugby.
The 20-year-old back-rower, who had been tipped to use the fixture as a final audition ahead of Steve Tandy’s Wales squad announcement, lasted barely a quarter of an hour at Sandy Park before limping out of the contest in clear discomfort. You can follow live updates of the match here.
James had started brightly and looked keen to make an impression, but his afternoon ended abruptly after making a strong break into the Cardiff 22.
As he attempted to ride a tackle, the Haverfordwest-born forward awkwardly rolled over on his ankle, immediately signalling that he was in trouble.
Play was halted as medical staff rushed on, and James was eventually helped from the field by two physios, unable to put much weight on the injured ankle and visibly in pain.
The injury could hardly have come at a worse time for James, who had been handed a rare start at number eight with Wales selectors understood to be in attendance.
Eligible for Wales, England and New Zealand, the former Wales Under-18 international has been strongly linked with a potential senior call-up after a series of explosive cameo performances off the bench for the Chiefs.
James switched allegiance to England Under-20s last year and played his part in their Six Nations and World Rugby U20 Championship double, but has made no secret of being open to a return to Wales as he targets Test rugby.
This weekend’s European fixture had been seen as a prime opportunity to stake his claim, particularly with the Wales squad set to be named in the coming days.
Instead, the focus will now turn to the severity of the ankle injury and whether it rules him out of contention all together.
Exeter have yet to provide an update on the extent of the damage, but the sight of James needing assistance to leave the pitch will be a major concern for both club and country, with a hugely promising talent now facing an anxious wait.
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