'I play rugby for England but I'm 100% Welsh and want to switch...

Warren Gatland and Rob Howley were both spotted at Ashton Gate last Friday night, witnessing Gloucester’s stunning triumph over

the Bristol Bears. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that Gatland was probably there to examine Gloucester’s Welsh half-backs,

Gareth Anscombe and Tomos Williams.

The Kiwi is also anticipated to keep an eye on their Welsh-qualified lock Freddie Thomas and Cherry and Whites forward Max

Llewellyn, the former centre for Cardiff who has been playing well.

With Ioan Lloyd, Callum Sheedy, and Dan Thomas no longer with the team, Bristol could not have as many Welsh players as in years

past. However, one guy who made a cameo off the bench that evening at Ashton Gate should be on the Welsh management’s radar.

His name is Joe Jenkins, a former England U20s centre who also qualifies for Wales and is widely regarded as a highly promising

talent.

The Welsh Rugby Union had previously expressed interest in the 20-year-old, but like many other English-based players who were

eligible for Wales, he played age-grade for England. Last year, former Wales U20s head coach Byron Hayward recounted his

unsuccessful attempt to pick Jenkins for his side.

Joe Jenkins was born in Halifax, but he can wear the red of Wales because his father is of Llanharan descent. Raised at Monmouth

School, the young youngster battled for a spot with the Dragons U16s until Bristol picked him due to his keen sense of potential.

Jenkins etched his name in Bristol Bears history when he became their youngest ever starter in the Gallagher Premiership, facing off

against Saracens in November 2022 aged just 18. Alas, injuries have troubled the promising centre, slowing his rise and leading him to

clock time with Cornish Pirates on loan in the English Championship.

Jenkins, who started on the replacements’ bench, was called into action just 15 minutes into the game to replace the injured James

Williams – another player eligible to play for Wales – and played a pivotal role in Bristol’s victory. His decision-making under pressure

was outstanding, and he formed a strong partnership with Bristol’s powerhouse South African centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg

Having additional choices is usually advantageous, and if Eddie James, Mason Grady, and Louie Hennessey are developing into

potential players, Wales has suffered in the midfield position during the previous season. He was born in England, so a potential

competition between the two countries for his services is not out of the question, even if he has already told the WRU that he wants to

play senior rugby for Wales.

Given the sheer quantity of Welsh players displaying their prowess over the Severn Bridge, Gatland will often be focused on the

Premiership. The Wales management should definitely get in touch with Jenkins, if they haven’t already, even though players like

Anscombe and Williams may receive the most of the attention.

‘I play rugby for England but I’m 100% Welsh and want to switch countries for Six Nations’