Wales want England star to swap nations as part of their rebuild

 reports that the Cardiff-born talent has been on the Union’s radar for some time, and confidence is high that James will eventually commit to Wales — unlike fellow Welsh-born England U20s teammate Kepu Tuipulotu, who appears set to stick with England.

The Exeter Chiefs back-row, who was born in Cardiff, has strong ties to Wales despite representing England at age-grade level.

A powerful and dynamic loose forward, James has developed rapidly within the Exeter setup, earning a reputation for his physicality, work rate, and impressive breakdown skills.

He was part of the England U20s squad that took on Wales in the U20 Six Nations, starting in their 23-13 defeat at the Arms Park last Friday night.

James, whose family remains closely connected to Wales, was previously involved with Cardiff’s academy setup before moving to England, where he progressed through the ranks.

His performances for Exeter’s age-grade teams quickly caught the attention of England’s selectors, leading to his inclusion in the U20s squad.

the WRU are "plotting to recruit James" as part of their long-term strategy to strengthen the nation's future squad.

Meanwhile, WalesOnline

With several experienced names likely heading on the Lions tour, these four uncapped players deserve a shot to make their mark in the white jersey.

A lethal finisher with footwork to rival the best, Gabriel Ibitoye has been electric since returning to Harlequins after stints in France and Israel. The 26-year-old brings a unique blend of pace, power, and unpredictability that England’s backline has sorely missed.

Ibitoye’s ability to create something out of nothing makes him a nightmare for defenders, and his defensive work has also improved significantly. If Borthwick wants a dynamic threat out wide, Ibitoye is ready to answer the call.

A classy operator in the midfield, Max Ojomoh has been knocking on the England door for a while. With smooth distribution, intelligent running lines, and a solid defensive presence, the Bath centre offers a well-rounded skillset.

Ojomoh’s ability to play at inside centre or shift to 13 gives Borthwick tactical flexibility, and his understanding of space makes him a creative link between the forwards and backs. With Ollie Lawrence a regular now, pairing him with Ojomoh could add another dimension to England’s attack.

Versatility is gold at international level, and Oscar Beard offers just that.

Capable of slotting in at centre or on the wing, the 22-year-old has been a standout performer for Harlequins this season.

His physicality in defence, coupled with his pace and power in attack, make him an exciting option for England. Beard’s ability to cover multiple positions could be invaluable, especially with Borthwick’s focus on adaptability.

At just 20 years old, Afolabi Fasogbon is already making waves as one of the most promising front-row prospects in English rugby.

The powerful loosehead, who has been a standout for London Irish before their collapse, possesses impressive scrummaging technique and a growing presence in the loose. Fasogbon’s physicality and work rate around the park show he’s ready for the step up. With England looking to build for the future, giving the youngster a taste of international rugby now could pay dividends down the line.

From the early days of professionalism to the modern era, England has seen a host of legendary captains wearing the armband.

Whether it's the grit of Will Carling in the 90s, the tactical brilliance of Martin Johnson, or the fearless leadership of Owen Farrell, this quiz will challenge even the most dedicated fans.

Think you can name them all? Grab your boots and let's see how well you know the men who led England into battle on the world stage!