Warren Gatland and Rob Howley were both spotted at Ashton Gate last Friday night, witnessing Gloucester’s thrilling victory over Bristol Bears. It doesn’t take an insider to deduce that Gatland was likely there to scrutinise Gloucester’s Welsh half-backs Tomos Williams and Gareth Anscombe.
The New Zealander is also expected to be monitoring former Cardiff centre Max Llewellyn, who has been performing well for the Cherry and Whites, as well as their Welsh-qualified lock Freddie Thomas.
Bristol may not boast as many Welsh players as in previous seasons, with Ioan Lloyd, Callum Sheedy and Dan Thomas no longer part of the club. However, one player who made an appearance 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 20 year old has previously caught the attention of the Welsh Rugby Union, but like many English-based players eligible for Wales, he represented England at age-grade level. Last year, former Wales U20s head coach Byron Hayward disclosed his unsuccessful attempt to select Jenkins for his squad.
“I spoke to Joe’s dad back in November because he is definitely a player we are interested in,” revealed Hayward back in February 2023. “He’s Welsh-qualified. He said Joe felt obligated to England because he’d come through their U18s programme, and they had rehabbed him through a knee injury which is totally explainable. I understand and quite admire his loyalty.”
“He is 100% Welsh and assured me that Joe wants to play for Wales at senior level and sees himself as a Welshman. However, at this moment in time he felt a loyalty to England because they’ve looked after him.”
Despite being born in Halifax, Joe Jenkins is eligible to wear the red of Wales thanks to his father’s Llanharan roots. The young talent, nurtured at Monmouth School, vied for a spot with the Dragons U16s and, though initially unsuccessful, was scooped up by Bristol’s keen eye for 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.
Despite being only 20, it appears he has finally secured a solid position in Bristol’s matchday 23 and is expected to be a regular feature for the Bears moving forward. Those who witnessed Bristol’s impressive 36-26 triumph over high-flying Bath at the Rec on Saturday would have undoubtedly been impressed with Jenkins’ performance.
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.
Jenkins made significant gains, tackled relentlessly, and executed a few sharp breaks. He is now predicted to start against Exeter Chiefs in the upcoming match, and if he can maintain his fitness, there’s no reason why he can’t continue to improve.
Wales has struggled in the midfield position over the past season, and while promising players like Eddie James, Mason Grady, and Louie Hennessey are emerging, having more options is always beneficial. Although he has previously expressed his desire to represent Wales at the senior level to the WRU, he was born in England, and a future battle between the two nations for his services is not out of the question.
Considering the significant number of Welsh players showcasing their skills across the Severn Bridge, Gatland’s attention will frequently be directed towards the Premiership. While players like Anscombe and Williams may garner most of the spotlight, Jenkins is certainly a player the Wales management should reach out to, if they haven’t done so already.
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