Baxter explains Kane James hybrid role after Exeter openside starts

Rob Baxter has explained that Kane James's early-season deployment at openside flanker is about balancing Exeter's available forwards rather than fixing the Wales international in a new position. According to BBC Sport's report on Thursday, the 21-year-old has started both of the Chiefs' opening Prem matches there after previously playing mainly at number eight.

Baxter said Exeter had faced selection constraints in the back five of the scrum and were choosing their strongest available back-row trio before deciding how to arrange them. He remains willing to select James at number eight when rotation, injuries or the requirements of a particular match make that the preferred combination.

The Exeter boss said James continues to perform number-eight responsibilities away from the scrum, including carrying the ball and taking supporting roles at line-outs. Baxter also credited his training and nutrition work with helping his physical development, while identifying accuracy as an area to improve when his enthusiasm takes him rapidly from one involvement to the next.

James had described that positional flexibility himself in an interview published by Exeter on September 28. He said the club's back-rowers could cover one another's responsibilities and move between blindside flanker, openside flanker and number eight. He also spoke about learning from the different qualities of teammates Ethan Roots, Ross Vintcent, Greg Fisilau and Tom Hooper during the previous season.

His growing club role follows a senior international breakthrough over the summer. Exeter's account confirmed that James made his Wales debut against Argentina in San Juan on July 11, coming on in the 66th minute for Aaron Wainwright. James recalled receiving his first senior squad call in June and immediately contacting his family after the conversation with the national set-up.

The club interview also placed his progress alongside that of younger teammates entering league rugby. Hooker Louie Gulley and second-row Oscar Beckerleg were named among the replacements for Exeter's season opener against Gloucester, around 18 months after James had prepared for his own league debut. James, who lives with Gulley, described the opportunity to play alongside those friends as particularly significant.