James looking forward to Ashton Gate run-out

Seven months on from making his club debut at Bristol Bears’ stadium, youngster Kane James returns to Ashton Gate with new knowledge and excitement on his side.

The 20-year-old back-rower ran onto the field as a replacement in a PREM clash back in March and he’s relishing the opportunity to walk the same path this weekend.

James said: “It’s pretty cool. When I made my debut, it was a great experience – a big stadium, loads of fans. It’ll be nice to go back.

“I think I’ve learned a lot since that first game. I’ve found a way to try to be less nervous before games. I think developing a little more confidence being in and around the team, getting involved a bit more, that’s helped the nerves. Technically, I’ve learned a lot – the list of new things is probably endless!

“Obviously, Bristol are a bit down at the minute being on the end of two losses so we’re expecting a reaction, but we want to try to get them. We know they’re going to come at us hard but we’re going to double down and do what we do best.”

James’ first opportunity was handed to him in the aftermath of a dominant and impressive Six Nations campaign for the England U20s, for whom he won the 2024 World Championship crown with club teammates Joe Bailey, Ben Coen and Louie Gulley.

Now, all four of them alongside the likes of Nick Lilley – another Chiefs debutant last season – are regularly competing for reps at Chiefs training and throwing their names into the selection conversation.

James said: “I’ve said it loads of times that it’s so cool to be able to play with those boys across so many different jerseys. Now that we’re starting to get a bit more of a look-in at Chiefs too; it’s great. They’re really good mates of mine, so it’s nice to have them with me.”

The age-grade international faces fierce competition for a spot. The back-five of the Chiefs scrum is renowned for depth and power, of which there is no shortage this season with Ethan Roots, Greg Fisilau, Ross Vintcent, Tom Hooper and Dafydd Jenkins on the books.

While they may all have sights set on the same spots in the starting line-up, James says it is a healthy competition where he is provided support and guidance by the more experienced members of the squad.

He said: “It is tough. Though, it’s probably a bit of motivation and a big driver for me to have them there. They’re really good players but they’re really nice guys as well, so it definitely motivates me to push myself to try to get involved. They’re guys to look up to for sure.

“Rob [Baxter] talks about putting the team first all the time and everyone is here for the same goal so they’re all always picking me up, helping me in any way possible. It’s competitive, but it’s good competition to have.”

With one draw and one win from the opening two rounds of league action, the vibe amongst the Chiefs squad has been a noticeably positive one. A team reinvigorated and determined to lay a strong foundation for the season ahead.

James said: “One thing we talk about is that we want to be a team that looks like they care, we want to show the fans that we’re going to give it everything on the pitch.

“I think in the past two games, especially the comeback against Northampton Saints, we showed that. We want to be a team that’s able to go down to the wire and one fans can get behind.”

James and his teammates compete in Derby Weekend in Bristol this Saturday before the action returns to Sandy Park on Sunday, 19 October against Harlequins, with tickets still available for the fixture.