**Three Welsh-Qualified Stars Catch the Eye at Bristol Bears: Club Boss Says Trio Ready for Test Level**
A trio of Welsh-qualified rugby talents plying their trade at English Premiership side Bristol Bears have been tipped as players who could soon make an impact for Wales at international level. Bristol Bears’ director of rugby, Pat Lam, voiced his strong belief that winger Jack Bates and centres James Williams and Joe Jenkins all possess the talent and potential to step up to Test rugby, if called upon.
Bates, formerly capped at England U20 level, qualifies for Wales thanks to his grandmother, who hails from Cardiff. His performances for the Bears this season have showcased his elusive running and finishing power, with five tries to his name – including a memorable solo score at Stade Marcel-Deflandre against French giants La Rochelle. Bates’ electric form has not gone unnoticed, and as Wales look to build greater strength in depth, he is a player whom selectors will surely consider closely.
Speaking on the *Welsh Rugby Podcast*, Pat Lam explained that Bates’ journey at Bristol has been as much about developing confidence and communication, as about harnessing his athletic gifts. “Jack’s journey has been an interesting one because he’s an athlete, but his one was about his confidence and his ability to communicate really well. That’s what he’s been working on and he just took off this year,” Lam emphasised. The Bristol boss also highlighted Bates’ resilience, noting that while injuries have been a frustrating factor for the young wing, his ultimate hurdle is not ability, but the self-belief to match his skill set.
Further Welsh interest surrounds the pair anchoring Bristol’s midfield – James Williams and Joe Jenkins – both qualified to represent Wales. Williams, aged 28, may have been a relative late bloomer, having been released by Sale Sharks and featuring for Hartpury in the Championship. Yet, his competitive spirit and rugby intelligence have made him an integral part of Pat Lam’s plans.
Williams, described by Lam as Bristol’s “Roy Keane” in terms of attitude, brings leadership and determination to the Bears, regularly providing the glue in the backline. “There’s probably more talented players, without a doubt, but one thing I’ll back Jimmy on is he will compete and fight for everything. He won’t give in and he’ll fight for everything,” Lam said. In Lam’s system, inside centres must not only defend robustly, but also cover the responsibilities of a second playmaker – a role Williams has made his own since joining Bristol.
Perhaps the most intriguing prospect is 21-year-old centre Joe Jenkins. Born in Halifax, Jenkins qualifies for Wales through his father’s roots in Llanharan and sharpened his skills at Monmouth School. He spent time trying out for the Dragons’ U16s, but was picked up by Bristol, who recognised his potential. Jenkins made history by becoming the youngest starter in Bristol Bears’ Premiership history, lining up against Saracens at just 18.
There is plenty of excitement, both within Bristol’s coaching team and the Welsh Rugby Union, where he is being closely monitored. Jenkins’ family ties and sense of national identity were highlighted by then Wales U20s coach Byron Hayward, who spoke of Jenkins’ loyalty to England due to their support through youth levels – but confirmed Jenkins’ own ambition is to play senior rugby for Wales.
Lam’s assessment of Jenkins mirrors the optimism of Welsh coaches. “Joe is a big man… another one of those big centres like Max Llewellyn and Mason Grady. He’s a tough character as well… the big thing around him is learning the game as best as he can,” Lam said. Lam believes Jenkins’ journey, especially overcoming a significant knee injury early in his career, has only fortified his resolve and potential.
As Wales continue their search for talent capable of enriching their squad and providing competition to established names such as Llewellyn, Joe Roberts and Mason Grady, the emergence of this Bristol Bears trio offers a timely boost. Each has taken a distinct and sometimes unconventional route to prominence, underlining the unpredictable yet rewarding nature of rugby’s player pathways.
For now, club rugby remains their main platform – but with continued development and a watching brief from the Welsh selectors, Bristol’s crop of Welsh-qualified backs could soon be making headlines in red, as well as blue and white. Their stories speak to the cross-border connections that have long enriched Welsh rugby, and offer a tantalising glimpse of future talent on the national stage.