James Fender
Welsh rugby union footballer
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
James Christopher Fender is a Welsh professional rugby union player, who plays for the Ospreys in the United Rugby Championship as a lock.
| Born | James Christopher Fender 3 August 2001 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Height | 201 cm (6 ft 7 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 125 kg (276 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| School | Bishopston Comprehensive School | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| University | Neath Port Talbot College | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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] Fender was slated to make his debut in the final fixture against South Africa, but ruled out due to a recurring shoulder injury.[14]