Former England U20s player and now Wales international Kane James has revealed that playing for his country of birth has always been his dream.

The Pembrokeshire-born back-rower, currently playing in the Gallagher PREM for Exeter Chiefs, made his Wales debut against Argentina in July, coming on as a second-half replacement.

He will return to Wales next week, heading back to the Sandy Park side that faces Harlequins on Saturday afternoon. He’ll return to the international setup, aiming to earn more caps against Japan, New Zealand, Australia, and another southern hemisphere side in the Nations Championship.

James played for England U20s against Wales U20s on several occasions. He was also eligible to play for New Zealand because his mother is from the Pacific island of Niue, but he has always dreamed of playing for Wales.

“It’s always been my dream and passion to play for Wales,” the 21-year-old admitted.

“I have grown up in Cardiff, watching the likes of Taulupe Faletau and Sam Warburton play in the back-row for Wales.

“I have always been inspired by those guys, so it was a proud moment to play (in July for Wales) and something that I had worked towards for a while.

“I would like to think that I bring something different with my speed and power.

“I just like to get hands on the ball, use my footwork and pace.”

James faces tough opposition for starting jersey

Despite still being in the embryonic stages of his playing career, the flanker has played four PREM matches this season, against Gloucester, Bath, Newcastle, and Bristol.

He also delivered an eye-catching performance off the bench against Toulouse, though it ended in a narrow Champions Cup 43-40 defeat.

But away from his club-level heroics, James is fighting for a starting spot in an area that has traditionally been Wales’ strongest. Gloucester’s Jac Morgan and Leicester Tigers’ Aaron Wainwright are guaranteed to start next month, but who joins them is continuously up for debate.

Cardiff trio of James Botham, Alex Mann, and Taine Basham, along with Scarlets’ Taine Plumtree, are also in contention as James aims to impress head coach Steve Tandy.

“It is pretty stacked,” James said enthusiastically.

“There is good competition, but a competitive squad is only going to boost us and help us improve. It’s similar at Exeter; we have got one hell of a back-row.

“Being more involved in the senior squad has helped me massively.”

“Plane trip from hell”

James, like so many internationals, is vowing to get the chance in one of Wales’ three Test matches to play at Principality Stadium for the first time.

He made his debut against Los Pumas in San Juan, prompting his father, Chris, to make the long but joyous trip to the southern hemisphere to see his son earn his first cap.

“When I made my first cap, my dad flew out all the way to Argentina; he had a plane trip from hell, basically,” James said.

“He had to drive from Cardiff to Heathrow, flew then to Barcelona to Rio, then to Buenos Aires, then had a one-hour taxi ride to the other airport, then flew to San Juan.

“He had a long journey to see me play, which I was grateful for.”

James also revealed that his father’s passion for Welsh rugby played a significant role in shaping his international ambitions, with representing Wales always his ultimate goal.

“I was pretty determined (to play for Wales),” added James.

“I’ve grown up with Welsh rugby. I’ve basically been shown Welsh rugby my whole life.

“It was pretty evident, especially with my dad, who had a large influence on me setting my sights on Wales.”

Another James hoping to earn international honours

The James family will also be aiming for another international come this weekend, with sister Crystal currently touring Japan with the Wales women's team.

The uncapped prop was named in Sean Lynn’s squad currently in the Far East, and she was part of the squad that faced the Barbarians.

“It is pretty cool,” said James about having his sister in a Welsh squad at the same time as he is.