Eddie James (rugby union) explained

Eddie James
Birth Name:Eddie James
Birth Date:10 August 2002
Birth Place:Carmarthen, Wales
Height:1.93 m
Weight:110 kg
School:Ysgol Bro Myrddin
Coleg Sir Gar
Ru Currentposition:Centre
Ru Currentteam:Scarlets
Youthclubs1:Carmarthen Quins
Years1:2021–2022
Clubs1:Carmarthen Quins
Apps1:11
Points1:15
Years2:2022–2023
Clubs2:Llanelli
Apps2:10
Points2:13
Years3:2023–
Clubs3:Scarlets
Apps3:4
Points3:5
Ru Clubupdate:26 April 2023
Repyears1:2021–2022
Repteam1:Wales U20
Repcaps1:8
Reppoints1:0
Repyears2:2024–
Repteam2:Wales
Repcaps2:1
Reppoints2:0
Ru Ntupdate:22 June 2024

Eddie James (born 10 August 2002) is a Welsh rugby union player who plays for the Scarlets and Wales national team as a centre.

Professional career

Early years and amateur rugby

James first played for the Carmarthen Quins youth team, and attended Ysgol Bro Myrddin.[1] He attended Coleg Sir Gar, where he played before joining the Scarlets academy in 2020.

To gain further experience, James went to New Zealand in 2022 to spend three months with Linwood RFC, alongside fellow academy player Sam O'Connor.[2]

James played for both the Quins and Llanelli RFC while attached to the Scarlets academy, making 13 appearances for Llanelli in what was to be their final season in the Welsh Premiership.[3]

Scarlets

James made his first appearance for the Scarlets on 2 September 2022, in a pre-season friendly against Bristol, coming off the bench.[4]

James was named on the bench for the Scarlets in their URC match against the Bulls on 27 January 2023, but was not used.[5] He was again selected in the squad to play Edinburgh on 18 February 2023, coming off the bench in the second half to make his competitive debut.[6] James scored the final try as the Scarlets won 42–14.[7]

On 10 March 2023, James made his first start for the Scarlets, in a friendly against the Saracens.[8]

James made his first start in the league on 14 April 2023 against Glasgow, at inside centre.[9] The following week he signed a contract extension with the Scarlets, along with fellow centres Joe Roberts and Ioan Nicholas.[10]

James was named as the Coaches’ Breakthrough Player of the Season for the 2023–24 season.[11]

International career

Wales U18 and U20

James was selected for Wales at U18 level, but the season was disrupted due to Coronavirus.[12]

He was selected for Wales U20 for the delayed 2021 Six Nations Under 20s Championship.[13] James spent another year with the side, featuring in the 2022 tournament.[14]

Wales

On 6 June 2024, James was added to the Wales squad for the tour to Australia.[15] James made his debut on 22 June 2024 against South Africa, coming off the bench.[16]

James made his first start for Wales on 19 July 2024, in an uncapped friendly against Queensland Reds.[17]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2020-12-22 . Scarlets Academy sign up talented local duo . 2023-01-29 . Scarlets Rugby . en-US.
  2. Web site: 2022-05-26 . Scarlets youngsters head to New Zealand . 2023-01-29 . Scarlets Rugby . en-US.
  3. Web site: Player – LLANELLI RFC . 2024-03-25 . en-US.
  4. Web site: James . Ben . 2022-09-02 . Scarlets v Bristol team news and kick-off time as All Blacks star gets debut . 2023-04-26 . WalesOnline . en.
  5. Web site: 2023-01-26 . Impressive Scarlets beat Bulls with bonus point . 2023-01-29 . BBC Sport . en-GB.
  6. News: 17 February 2023 . Kalamafoni captains Scarlets v Edinburgh . en-GB . BBC Sport . 2023-02-17.
  7. News: 2023-02-18 . URC: Scarlets v Edinburgh - radio & text . en-GB . BBC Sport . 2023-02-18.
  8. Web site: 2023-03-09 . Rising stars set for debuts against Sarries . 2023-04-16 . Scarlets Rugby . en-US.
  9. News: 13 April 2023 . Glasgow and Scarlets ring changes for URC match . BBC Sport . 2023-04-16.
  10. Web site: 2023-04-19 . Centre trio sign new Scarlets contracts . 2023-04-26 . BBC Sport . en-GB.
  11. Web site: 24 May 2024 . Alex Craig and Ioan Nicholas pick up player of year awards . 19 July 2024 . Scarlets Rugby.
  12. Web site: Eddie James makes the Welsh Under 20’s Squad – CARMARTHEN QUINS : Official Website . 2023-01-29 . Carmarthen Quins RFC . en-US.
  13. Web site: 2021-06-30 . Eddie James named in Wales U20s side to face France . 2023-01-29 . Scarlets Rugby . en-US.
  14. Web site: 2022-01-27 . Wales U20 name Six Nations squad - Welsh Rugby Union . 2023-01-29 . Welsh Rugby Union Wales & Regions . en-GB.
  15. Web site: 2024-06-06 . James called up to Wales squad - Welsh Rugby Union . 2024-06-06 . Welsh Rugby Union Wales & Regions . en-GB.
  16. Web site: 22 June 2024 . South Africa vs Wales at Twickenham - listen & follow . 2024-06-22 . BBC Sport . en-GB.
  17. Web site: Doel . Jon . 19 July 2024 . Wales 36 - 35 Queensland Reds Live: Last gasp try saves Welsh from defeat . 19 July 2024 . Wales Online.