Dual-qualified centre Joe Jenkins says he wants to play international rugby but admits he doesn't know yet where his loyalty will land between Wales and England. The 22-year-old will turn out for Leicester Tigers this season after making the move to the East Midlands following four years with Bristol Bears.
Move to Leicester
While he has been held back by injuries at times, Jenkins impressed when given an opportunity in the first team at Ashton Gate and hopes that his big move will help him take another big step forwards in his career. While he is primarily focused on first earning his stripes with Leicester, the dynamic centre is also determined to make it to the Test arena.
Jenkins was born in Halifax but is eligible to play for Wales due to his father hailing from Llanharan. After attending Monmouth School, he vied for a place with the Dragons U16s' side before being scooped by Bristol and becoming their youngest-ever PREM Rugby starter in 2022, at the age of 18.
International future
Having come through the English pathway system, he represented England at U20s level but, having tried to select him in his squad, former Wales U20s head coach Byron Hayward claimed in 2023 that Jenkins is "100 per cent Welsh" and wants to wear the red jersey at senior level in the future.
"He's Welsh-qualified," Hayward said previously. "[His dad] 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."
Three years on, however, Jenkins admits that he is yet to decide for sure where his senior international loyalties lie, with the youngster keeping "an open mind".
Player's perspective
"For my career to develop, this was the best move for me," he told The Rugby Paper as he opened up on his Leicester switch. "I want to play international rugby and being at Tigers gives me a really good opportunity to do so. Who that will be with, I have an open mind. I came through the England pathway but my whole family are Welsh. They are very passionate and, clearly, I see a lot of them!"
"Firstly, I need to earn my right to play for the club first because the competition is fierce," Jenkins added. "They got to the play-off semis last season and you're never going to come straight to a place like this and walk into the team."
Wales boost
With Wales currently lacking gainline presence in midfield, having someone like the 6ft 3in, 16st Jenkins on board would be a boost to head coach Steve Tandy, who also has the likes of Bryn Bradley and Steffan Emanuel to consider as new centre options ahead of next year's World Cup.
Jenkins will form part of an impressive Welsh contingent at the Tigers this season, with Aaron Wainwright joining fellow back-rowers Tommy Reffell and Olly Cracknell at Welford Road for the 2026/27 campaign.
