What concerns Rob Baxter about Kane James’ Wales call-up

Exeter Chiefs boss Rob Baxter is heading on a collision course with Wales over No.8 Kane James, who only this week received his first call-up by Steve Tandy after snubbing England boss Steve Borthwick.

The England U20 international James, 21, has pledged his international allegiance to the country of his birth and could win his first cap during this summer’s Nations Championship. As soon as he wins his first cap, he loses his EQP status.

But the back-row hasn’t played for the Chiefs since the Challenge Cup victory over Cardiff because of ankle injuries that have needed operations, and Baxter, who says losing him as an EQP player is a blow.

And he is quick to admit that he would prefer it if Haverfordwest-born James spent pre-season getting himself fit in Devon instead of being thrown into the deep end of international when he hasn’t played for six months.

“I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t make things any easier for us. We certainly view Kane as a frontline player this season. But at the same time, you also want a team with international players.

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“So, how we kind of manage our EQP numbers going forward will be a challenge for obvious reasons, but that’s what we’ll have to do as these things happen.

“He’s had multiple injuries to his ankle, so he’s had two or three bits operated on. He’s getting back. He was straight line pitch running, that’s as far as he’s got at the minute.

“My bigger concern is probably how little rugby’s played this season and where he’ll actually end up by the end of the season, how match fit he’ll actually be or how ready he’ll be for full contact, full match playing.

“That’s more my bigger concern. Because I think, actually, what would benefit Kane a lot would be a pre-season. You know, a full pre-season, having had a disrupted season this season, would probably be a bigger positive for his career going forward.

“But at the same time, we are coming into a World Cup season, which probably weighs on his mind as well. So there’s always going to be ups and downs when you’re dealing with young players who haven’t yet been capped. We just have to help Kane negotiate all those challenges,” he said.