James and Jenkins to feature together for Wales

Exeter Chiefs duo Kane James and Dafydd Jenkins have been named in a Wales squad together for the first time as head coach Steve Tandy selects a 39-player squad for the autumn Nations Championship.

Lock Jenkins returns to Wales camp for the first time since this year’s Guinness Six Nations having missed the first instalment of summer games while he recovered from shoulder surgery. Back-rower James was the only Chiefs player on the summer tour, making his debut against Argentina in San Juan.

Jenkins said: “Pulling on the Wales shirt is something I dreamed of since I was little, so it was hard to miss out in the summer, but I had to put my health first. Steve, the physios and all the staff were really supportive and positive, putting my best interests first.

“It was tough not to be there for Kane on his first campaign, to not be able to help ease him into things but I’m thrilled to have that chance now. Three games at home is a class opportunity for us both to have, so I’m just looking forward to digging back in with the group and trying to earn a spot back in the line-up.”

Wales will host Japan, New Zealand and Australia in consecutive weekends in Cardiff from Friday, 7 November. They currently sit fifth in the northern hemisphere standings after one win and two losses from three in the summer.

Gloucester hooker Dewi Lake captains the squad which also includes fellow new Gallagher PREM stars Jac Morgan and Aaron Wainwright. There are also three uncapped players named by Tandy: Cardiff’s Rhys Barratt and Dragons duo Che Hope and Aneurin Owen.

Tandy said: “It’s great to welcome back the players who were unavailable for the first three rounds of the Nations Championship. Added to that, there are a number of players who’ve been in great form for their clubs and so we wanted to give them an opportunity in the squad this autumn.

“We’re excited to head into our three home rounds of the competition. Principality Stadium is a special place to play and means an awful lot to the players. When we assemble as a group next week all eyes will be on that first home fixture against Japan and preparing well to put in a good performance for the fans.”

The competition will culminate in a Finals Weekend on the weekend 26 November with six matches being played over three days at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, to determine teams’ final placing in the Championship.

All matches will be broadcast live on ITV and S4C.