James Fender

James Fender is a Welsh professional rugby union player, who plays as a lock for United Rugby Championship club the Ospreys.

Professional career
As a youth player, Fender was part of the Ospreys academy. He played for South Gower and Neath Port Talbot College, as well as Swansea RFC.

For the 2022–2023 season, Fender was loaned to RFU Championship side Cornish Pirates.

Fender represented Wales U20 in the U20 Six Nations tournament in 2020 and 2021.

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.

Fender was named as Man of the Match on 26 December 2023, as the Ospreys beat the Scarlets 25–11. Following his early season performances, Fender was named as a top breakthrough player for 2023. 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.