Son of 2003 Rugby World Cup-winner Paul Grayson, James is making waves playing his club rugby in Japan after quitting Northampton Saints.
“Ultimately, my decision was driven by the opportunity to play regular first-team rugby,” he says. “In a challenging league, for a good club.
“That’s why I’ve come to Japan. To be part of a league that has Richie Mo’unga, Cheslin Kolbe, Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Ardie Savea…
“Week in week out I’m getting to play with and against some of the greatest players in our game, to test myself, see where I’m at. I’ve made the jump and I’m loving it.”
He added: “There’s always potentially that option to one day play for the Cherry Blossoms,
“You never know, I might be back in the UK in a couple of years’ time playing really well and that [England] door might be open. I’m never going to shut hope on international rugby. It’s every kids’ dream to play for their country.
“But I have looked at becoming Japanese qualified, as a lot of the foreign boys have.
“I’m going to take it step by step, get through the rest of the season, keep trying to perform for the DynaBoars and see where we’re sat come next year.”
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Five England players set to swap nations after falling out of favour
While the decision to switch national teams remains speculative, there are five players who could be considering such a move. Additionally, there are other notable names, such as Sam Underhill and Manu Tuilagi, who could also potentially swap nations. Underhill could opt for the USA, while Tuilagi may consider representing Samoa, given their respective birthplaces.
Furthermore, the Vunipola brothers, Mako and Billy, might contemplate switching to Tonga, the birthplace of their father, under these new eligibility laws.
#1. Ollie Hassell-Collins (Wales)
The Leicester Tigers winger, who was given his debut by Borthwick in 2023, has expressed his willingness to potentially represent Wales in 2026.
Despite earning two caps for England during last year’s Six Nations, the 25-year-old hasn’t been included in Steve Borthwick’s squad since then. Notably, he was absent from England A’s recent triumph over Portugal.
Ahead of this year’s Six Nations, Gatland had mentioned Hassell-Collins several times, especially during the discussion surrounding another dual-qualified winger, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso.
“I have seen Gatland’s interview,” Hassell-Collins told the Telegraph.
“I’ve got two caps for England, and obviously I’m English. But if I don’t see anything in the next few years then it’s definitely something that I would consider.
“I would qualify [for Wales] the year of the World Cup – that is, if he still wants me. Wales is still part of who I am.
“My grandma was Welsh and I still have family over there. It’s still a part of me – and I’d never turn it down – but for now it’s England for me.”