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.
Bu hikaye The Rugby Paper dergisinin March 24, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Rugby Paper dergisinin March 24, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Sleightholme shows he has pace to burn
OLLIE Sleightholme recently clocked his fastest sprint time and is racing to cement his spot as an England starter.
McGoverne says playing for Chiefs is her priority
EXETER fly-half Olivia McGoverne has opted for club over country which will rule her out of contention for New Zealand’s World Cup bid in 2025.
Trinity aim to get the culture right
HIGH-FLYING Trinity have made a remarkable turnaround this season after narrowly avoiding relegation last term, heading into this weekend unbeaten and are now eyeing up promotion from Level 7.
YOUNG GUNS
Louie Gulley experienced the environment of England U20s’ World Championship triumph up close this summerand now has a burning desire to become an age-grade star. The 19-year-old Exeter Chiefs hooker was part of Mark Mapletoft’s squad but didn’t manage to make an appearance during the tournament.
The Cherry & Whites lay down marker over Lucs
CAMBORNE maintained their lead at the top of the table with a bonus-point win against their nearest challengers in a pulsating game.
A brace from Botterill is key to victory for Esher
A highly entertaining and enthralling contest between two sides fighting at the foot of the table was eventually won by Esher after the lead had changed no less than seven times throughout an absorbing afternoon.
Chiefs in hunt for new investment
TONY Rowe has confirmed the search for new investors into Exeter Chiefs has begun as he looks to safeguard the longterm future of the Premiership club.
McParland keen to shine for England A
NORTHAMPTON scrum-half Archie McParland feels he has returned a better player following a nasty injury that denied him a World Cup winners medal and is now ready to fly into a new opportunity with England A.
Undercard get chance to show their A-game
ENGLAND’S A team today get their first major work-out after being resurrected earlier this year when Australia’s undercard provide the opposition at The Stoop.
England look like a clueless rabble
I WATCHED with a growing sense of bewilderment as England yet again took to the field against Australia looking to all intents and purpose as if they had just been introduced to each other on the coach into Twickenham.
