Wales and Bath centre Louie Hennessey has set his sights on returning to the international game after stating he's determined to silence the “one-cap wonder” tag.
Hennessey will look to claim his second international cap when Wales face Japan next Saturday at Principality Stadium in the Nations Championship.
He debuted against Ireland in the 2026 Six Nations after being called up to the Wales camp for the first time in the 2025 Autumn Internationals.
The Bath player missed Wales’ summer fixtures against Fiji, Argentina, and South Africa, but is determined to establish himself in international rugby, with ambitions that go well beyond adding to his solitary cap.
“I got called a one-cap wonder. So I want to make sure I get that second, 100%,” Hennessey said.
“I want to make that squad. I want to be playing for Wales at the World Cup.”
Hennessey relishing midfield battle
The 22-year-old faces considerable competition to secure a regular spot in Wales’ midfield, with Eddie James among those vying for the 13 jersey.
When asked about playing James at inside-centre and giving more opportunities at outside-centre, head coach Steve Tandy quickly insisted the Scarlets player is his preferred option there.
Hennessey, however, is clear about where he wants to play, insisting his preferred position remains outside-centre.
“Primary position is thirteen, preferred position is thirteen, so that’s where I want to be playing my rugby for sure,” he added.
The Bath player quickly praised James’s work and acknowledged the Scarlets' centre's impressive form, but stressed that his own performances would ultimately determine whether he plays.
“I’ve just got to worry about myself, play well, train well, and then hopefully the rest takes care of itself.”
Hennessey also highlighted the strength of competition within the Welsh squad, which is only driving standards higher.
“Very (strong). My first campaign was in the autumn last year; I was actually just thinking now, it is the most pleasing thing coming off the training ground then, about how competitive the squad is now.
“How many quality players we have, performing for club, and then bringing that into the camp here.
“It’s great to learn off all these guys, but also to compete with.”
Bordeaux experience showed Hennessey’s potential
Despite being ruled out of Wales’ squad for the first part of the Nations Championship in July after a shoulder injury sustained in Bath’s 38-26 Champions Cup semi-final defeat to Bordeaux-Bègles in May.
Hennessey scored a try in the contest, and his performances for Bath have helped him develop at the highest level of club rugby, with the Champions Cup run providing a particularly valuable learning experience.
He insists that his performance, as well as weeks earlier, showed he can compete on the biggest of stages.“That Bordeaux game was probably the most hostile place that I have played,” Hennessey continued.
“I remember running out, the stadium, the noise for 80 minutes was something that I have never experienced before.
“That game probably showed people the level that I can compete at, but if you look at the games before that against Northampton.
“I felt like I was delivering then, but it was nice to put it onto the big stage for sure.”
“I love representing my country”
Having already tasted international rugby in Dublin against Ireland in March, Hennessey says he's returned to the national camp with far greater confidence and a clearer understanding.
His first call-up in 2025 brought the expected nervousness of trying to make an impression, but the young centre says he feels more settled this time around.
“A lot less nerves this time around,” added Hennessey.
“I remember the first campaign, just trying to be welcomed, to be liked in the squad, to put my best foot forward on the pitch.
“Definitely much more settled now.
“Naturally, it’s my third campaign; I know all the boys, I know what is required, the scheduling, the intensity.”
Representing Wales remains a major motivation, with Hennessey particularly keen to play in front of home supporters in Cardiff for the first time.
“It is awesome to be back, I love this group,” he continued.
“I love representing my country, and it’s definitely a goal of mine to be in here and compete here, and to establish myself at this level.
“I am really enjoying being back amongst the lads, amongst the group; it’s been really fun.
“Having time to reflect over the summer, it was definitely a goal of mine to get back in here, to play here.
“I haven’t played in Cardiff yet as well, so that is definitely a goal of mine for sure.”
