Steve Tandy on Wales’ major Gallagher Prem star coup ahead of Nations Championship

Monday, 11 May 2026 at 18:23

byHarry Tovey

Steve Tandy has announced six uncapped players in his latest Wales squad ahead of the inaugural Nations Championship, which gets underway in July.

The 46-year-old has selected an extended 48-player squad, as it’s beginning to look clearer on his approach in terms of selection for next year’s World Cup in Australia as well.

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But on matters in front of his group of men this summer, they will face Fiji, Argentina, and South Africa in Nations Championship fixtures, all after an uncapped game against the Barbarians in Twickenham at the end of June.

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However, with all that said, there’s one player who has caught the eye from Tandy’s Monday afternoon announcement, and that is back-row player Kane James.

The 21-year-old from Haverfordwest, but currently plying his trade in the English Gallagher Prem for Exeter Chiefs, has opted against playing for England over Wales.

It’s a massive coup, and perhaps the Welsh Rugby Union has learned its lessons from previous players who were in the same situation as James.

Unlike Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Kepu Tuipulotu, the standout back-rower who can cover all positions across the back-row has a bright future playing for the nation of his birth.

Speaking at the Vale Resort following the selection of James, who also qualifies for New Zealand, Tandy added: “He’s Welsh. Just having spoken to Kane when I arrived, having been down to see him and stayed in contact, he’s an awesome human being.

“He’s very focused on what he wants to become. We’re very lucky to have Kane. He’s very motivated to play for us.”

“I think probably the big thing I like about him is he can play anywhere in the back row. He’s got pace, he’s explosive, he’s really smart with how he sees stuff and off the field with his study.

“He’s coming back from his injury. There’s so much to like about Kane and how he attacks it. He’s in a big team in England, makes massive impacts when he comes off the bench as well.

“So yeah, just super excited with his all-round ability to be honest.”

James has been sidelined since Exeter put aside Cardiff Rugby in January due to sustaining an ankle injury, but Tandy expects him to return for the Sandy Park side in the coming weeks.

“He’s only a couple of weeks away, I think, like I said, we wouldn’t be picking him if we didn’t feel he’d be available,” added Tandy.

Elsewhere, Bryn Bradley, who is another uncapped name selected in the 48-man group, has had a consistent run of starts for the Harlequins and has also been touted for a big future.

It’s been a season to forget for the Twickenham Stoop side, but the 23-year-old, who qualifies for Wales through his Newport-born mother, is an outstanding ball carrier.

An area, particularly inside centre for Wales, has lacked strength since the retirement of the likes of Jamie Roberts. Bradley has all the attributes to get his side over the gain-line.

With the England A setup also eyeing the young centre up, this is another big coup for Tandy and Wales. “Both sides of the ball, he’s a big and athletic young man,” added Tandy.

“He’s driven to be better. He only adds to our depth in a very competitive pool. I’m really excited about that.”

However, Tandy will be unable to involve both youngsters straight away because they play in England, but only time will tell whether their selections will make much of an impact this summer.

15 players have been selected in Tandy’s squad that play outside of Wales, but the head coach stated it’s something that his side has to get used to.

“You get used to it. Every campaign is different, whether it’s autumn, summer or Six Nations,” continued Tandy.

“We can always think of what we’d like it to be, but ultimately it’s not. You learn from experiences. It’s a good opportunity for us to connect up and share information.

“We’ve been speaking to all these players relatively regularly. It is what it is. It’s up to us coaches to make it as simple and refined as possible for players when they come in so they can be the best version of themselves.”