The official Six Nations stats give James eight dominant contacts for the tournament so far, he is making 6.5 metres per carry and has racked up 61 post-contact metres, just one behind the rightly-lauded Ireland centre Stuart McCloskey.
The 23-year-old has taken his chance after an injury to Max Llewellyn, who started three games alongside Thomas in the 2025 Six Nations and lined up at 13 in the autumn.
James has operated at inside centre for most of his senior career but the return of Hawkins from Exeter saw the pair resume a partnership they formed with Wales Under-20s in 2021 and 2022.
After recovering from a back injury that meant he missed the first block of the season, James has made eight of his 12 starts at outside centre.
“I enjoy playing with Joe and we have a good relationship off the pitch as well,” he said.
“The more games you play with any centre partner, the more you get more a feel for what they do and hopefully get better.
“He reads the game well and understands it. He can carry and also be a ball player while my strengths are my size and carrying ability.
“Starting at 13 has made me think about the game in different ways and it has added another string to my bow, getting the ball in space.”
