Ben James Leaves Ospreys for Leicester Tigers Amid Wales Squad Uncertainty

Strategic Insights -

Ben James, the 30-year-old loosehead prop, has chosen to leave the Ospreys for Leicester Tigers, despite being one of the top scrummagers in the United Rugby Championship. Having played a vital role in the Ospreys' recent achievements, James will now join Leicester's scrum, a move he initially thought unlikely. Despite his departure, James remains open to returning to the Wales national team, but acknowledges that selection is out of his control.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ben James, a 30-year-old loosehead prop, has left the Ospreys to join Leicester Tigers, citing a desire to try something new and challenge himself.
  • James has 46 caps for Wales, but has not been selected for the last two squads, indicating a decline in favor with the Wales coaches.
  • James emphasizes that his decision to leave was not due to a lack of selection for Wales, but rather a personal desire to explore new opportunities.
  • The move to Leicester Tigers has not resulted in an increase in James' wages, and he remains committed to international rugby.
  • James has praise for his former teammate Harri Deaves, describing him as a "dog who'll scrap for everything" and "something special" if he continues to play at his current level.
  • James hopes to remain involved with the Wales national team in the future, but acknowledges that selection is outside of his control.

Statistics:

  • Ben James has 46 caps for Wales.
  • James has not been selected for the last two Wales squads.
  • 30 years old is the age of Ben James at the time of leaving the Ospreys.
  • 46 is the number of caps Ben James has earned for Wales.
  • 2 is the number of squads James has not been selected for recently.

Sources:

  • [RugbyPass: Were Ben James and Nicky Smith held back by Jaco Coetzee and the Scarlets?][1]
  • [BBC Sport: Leicester Tigers sign prop Ben James from Ospreys][2]
  • [RugbyPass: Ben James on Wales future after Ospreys exit][3]