"100% Welsh" - Another England star reveals he wants to swap nations for Six Nations rival

Rugby News
Tuesday, 08 October 2024 at 10:17
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Warren Gatland and Rob Howley were both in attendance at Ashton Gate last Friday to witness Gloucester's thrilling win over Bristol Bears.
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The presence of the Wales head coach suggests he was there to keep a close eye on Gloucester's Welsh half-backs, Tomos Williams and Gareth Anscombe, both of whom played significant roles in the victory.
While several Welsh-qualified players caught the eye, one player who came off the bench that night should be of particular interest to Welsh management.
Joe Jenkins, a former England U20s centre, also qualifies for Wales and is regarded as a highly promising young talent.
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Jenkins turned professional with Bristol in July 2022, making an immediate impact by scoring twice on his debut in the Premiership Rugby Cup against Exeter.
He later made his Premiership debut against Saracens in November. His strong form earned him a place in the England U20s squad for the 2023 Six Nations and the World Rugby U20 Championship in South Africa.

Byron Hayward’s Interest in Jenkins

Former Wales U20s head coach Byron Hayward revealed his attempt to bring Jenkins into the Welsh fold. Speaking in February 2023, Hayward explained his efforts to select Jenkins, saying, "I spoke to Joe's dad back in November because he is definitely a player we are interested in."
Despite his Welsh qualification, Jenkins remained loyal to England, having progressed through their U18s programme and benefited from their rehabilitation support following a knee injury. Hayward added, "He is 100% Welsh and assured me that Joe wants to play for Wales at senior level. However, at this moment in time, he felt a loyalty to England because they’ve looked after him."

EDITORS PICKS

10 Most Overrated Players in Rugby Ranked

Many high-profile players continue to polarize opinions in the rugby world—one player might be considered overrated by some but highly regarded by others, leading to endless debates.
Here is RUCK Editor Steve Smith's attempt at ranking the top 10 most overrated players in the world right now.

10 Most Overrated Players in Rugby Ranked

10. Ange Capuozzo (Italy) – The young Italian fullback has gained a lot of attention for his electrifying play and highlight-reel moments, but some critics feel that his defensive frailties and occasional lack of consistency make him less of an all-around threat than the hype suggests.
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9. Beauden Barrett (New Zealand) – Barrett is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world, but some believe his performances have been inconsistent, particularly at the Test level in recent years. They argue that while he excels in Super Rugby, his form for the All Blacks has fluctuated.
8. Maro Itoje (England) – While Itoje is seen as a world-class lock and one of England's key players, there are critics who believe that his influence is sometimes overstated, especially when England is struggling as a team.
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7. Sam Cane (New Zealand) – As captain of the All Blacks, Cane faces high expectations. Some fans feel his leadership and performances haven't lived up to the level of his predecessors, like Richie McCaw, making him a target for criticism.
6. Siya Kolisi (South Africa) - Including Kolisi on a list of overrated players can be controversial due to his significant achievements and leadership. However, some critics argue that Kolisi's global prominence, particularly after leading South Africa to the 2019 Rugby World Cup victory, has overshadowed his on-field performances, which they claim are not always as impactful as his leadership role. Detractors might suggest that his leadership and symbolic importance sometimes eclipse his actual playing ability when compared to other top-tier flankers.
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5. Marcus Smith (England) – A highly talented and creative fly-half, Marcus Smith has been heralded as the future of English rugby. However, some feel the hype around him has outpaced his actual impact on the international stage, particularly in tight, high-pressure matches, where consistency has been an issue.
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4. Owen Farrell (England) – One of England’s most polarising figures, Farrell’s leadership and kicking ability are unquestionable, but his sometimes abrasive playing style, along with a lack of creativity in attack, has led some to question whether he’s overhyped, especially when he was England’s primary playmaker.
3. Finn Russell (Scotland) – Known for his flair and creativity, Russell is sometimes seen as overrated due to his high-risk, high-reward style of play. While he can produce magical moments, his inconsistency and decision-making under pressure are often questioned.
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2. Faf de Klerk (South Africa) – Known for his high-energy style and defensive work, de Klerk is a polarising figure. While he’s a key player for South Africa, critics argue that his decision-making, particularly in attack, and reliance on kicking can make him overrated compared to the top scrum-halves in the world.
1. Romain Ntamack (France) – Despite his brilliant displays for France, Ntamack has faced criticism for not always living up to the high expectations, especially when compared to other top international fly-halves. Some feel his performances lack consistency in critical moments.
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