Obscure policy rule means French switch could keep Fender out of Wales contention

UNCAPPED Wales second-row James Fender's Test availability would be in serious doubt if he were to leave the Ospreys this summer, as a move away from Wales now looks increasingly unlikely.

- BEN JAMES Reporter [e-mail]

Fender seems likely to remain at the Ospreys, and we are able to confirm the uncapped Welsh second-row would be unable to play for Wales were he to leave this summer, despite being uncapped.

It had been assumed the 23-year-old would still be available to new head coach Steve Tandy if he left for France this summer, in the same way many other uncapped players outside Wales have previously been called up.

That appeared likely a couple of weeks ago, with a deal having been agreed in principle with Pro D2 outfit Grenoble.

However, that move was always on the basis that the Ospreys agreed to his departure - with Fender still having a year left on his contract.