Joe Jenkins

Joe Jenkins (born 13 October 2003) is a professional rugby union player for Leicester Tigers in Englnd's Premiership Rugby, his preferred position is centre. Born in England, he was raised in Wales and is qualified to represent either internationally.

Early life Born in Halifax, Jenkins was brought up near Chepstow and attended Monmouth School for Boys, where he served as deputy head boy. He played rugby union at Hereford RFC from under-nine to under-16 level and also represented Newport Schools. Jenkins became Bristol's youngest ever starter in the Rugby Premiership when he made his league debut as an 18-year-old against Saracens in November 2022. He suffered misfortune with injury and played on loan at Rugby Championship side Cornish Pirates in the first half of 2024 for regular minutes.

He returned to Bristol Bears first team squad and received plaudits for his performances at the start of the 2024-25 season, including in an away win against local rivals Bath Rugby.

International career Although born in England, he is able to represent Wales through his father who is from Llanharan. He was selected to play for England at under-18 and under-20 level. He was selected to play for England U20 at the 2023 World Rugby U20 Championship.

He was also sought after by Wales U20s head coach Byron Hayward who revealed he had tried to select him but Jenkins had only recently been rehabilitated from injury by the English RFU and felt a sense of duty play for England. He was later reported to have said he felt "100% a Welshman".