James Fender

Last updated

James Fender
BornJames Christopher Fender
(2001-08-03) 3 August 2001 (age 24)
Swansea, Wales
Height200 cm (6 ft 7 in)
Weight121 kg (19 st 1 lb)
School Bishopston Comprehensive School
University Neath Port Talbot College
Rugby union career
Position Lock
Current team Ospreys
Youth career
South Gower RFC
Senior career
YearsTeamApps(Points)
2020– Ospreys 32 (0)
2022–23 →Cornish Pirates (loan) 13 (5)
International career
YearsTeamApps(Points)
2020–2021 Wales U20 9 (0)

James Christopher Fender is a Welsh professional rugby union player, who plays for the Ospreys in the United Rugby Championship as a lock.

Contents

Club career

Ospreys

As a youth player, Fender was part of the Ospreys academy. He played for South Gower and Neath Port Talbot College, [1] as well as Swansea RFC. [2]

For the 2022–2023 season, Fender was loaned to RFU Championship side Cornish Pirates. [3]

Fender was recalled to the Ospreys squad ahead of their URC tour to South Africa, and made his debut as a replacement on 26 November 2022, against the Bulls. [4]

Fender was named as Man of the Match on 26 December 2023, as the Ospreys beat the Scarlets 25–11. [5] Following his early season performances, Fender was named as a top breakthrough player for 2023. [6] He was tipped for a place in the Wales squad ahead of the 2024 Six Nations, but suffered a shoulder injury in January 2024, ruling him out long term. [7]

On 19 April 2024, Fender signed a contract extension with the Ospreys. [8]

Fender returned from injury in November 2024 to play for the Ospreys in a development fixture. [9] He received a red card against Cardiff for a dangerous clear out on 1 January 2025. [10]

Fender was pursued by FC Grenoble Rugby ahead of the 2025–26 season, but the move collapsed over concerns over his international eligibility. [11]

International career

Wales U20

Fender represented Wales U20 in the U20 Six Nations tournament in 2020 and 2021. [12]

Wales

On 21 October 2025, Fender was selected by Wales for the 2025 end-of-year rugby union internationals. [13]

References

  1. ↑ Orders, Mark (13 June 2019). "The six Welsh rugby teens who've today been given their big chance to make it". WalesOnline. Retrieved 27 November 2022.
  2. ↑ "Player – SWANSEA RFC". Swansea RFC. Retrieved 27 November 2022.
  3. ↑ "James Fender: Cornish Pirates bring in Ospreys lock on loan". BBC Sports. 9 June 2022. Retrieved 15 October 2022.
  4. ↑ Orders, Mark (25 November 2022). "Bulls v Ospreys team news as old Wales warhorse returns for visitors". WalesOnline. Retrieved 27 November 2022.
  5. ↑ "Top Performers: Ospreys v Scarlets". www.ultimaterugby.com. 26 December 2023. Retrieved 20 January 2024.
  6. ↑ James, Ben (19 December 2023). "The breakthrough Welsh rugby players of 2023 ranked". Wales Online. Retrieved 20 January 2024.
  7. ↑ Jones, John (16 January 2024). "The other big players missing from the Wales squad amid Rees-Zammit drama". Wales Online. Retrieved 20 January 2024.
  8. ↑ "James Fender: Ospreys lock signs new contract". BBC Sport. 19 April 2024. Retrieved 13 August 2024.
  9. ↑ "Ospreys announce team for Dragons Development game | Ospreys". www.ospreysrugby.com. Retrieved 2 January 2025.
  10. ↑ Thomas, Steffan (1 January 2025). "Wales internationals in agreement as Ospreys lock sent off for dangerous act". Wales Online. Retrieved 2 January 2025.
  11. ↑ James, Ben (28 July 2025). "Welsh rugby star set to stay after likely ban from Wales squad emerged". Wales Online. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
  12. ↑ "Wales U20 squad announced for Six Nations - Welsh Rugby Union". Welsh Rugby Union | Wales & Regions. 12 June 2021. Retrieved 27 November 2022.
  13. ↑ Jones, John (21 October 2025). "Wales squad announcement LIVE as Rhys Carre makes stunning return". Wales Online. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
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