James French (rugby union) explained

James French
Birth Date:1998 11, df=yes
Birth Place:Cork, Ireland
Weight:121kg (267lb)
Position:Prop
Amatyears1:2021-2022
Amatteam1:UCC
Amatapps1:4
Amatpoints1:0
Amatyears2:2022-23
Amatteam2:Highfield
Amatapps2:6
Amatpoints2:7
Amatyears3:2023-24
Amatteam3:Ballynahinch
Amatapps3:10
Amatpoints3:0
Years1:2021–2023
Clubs1:Munster
Apps1:1
Points1:0
Years2:2023–2024
Clubs2:Ulster
Apps2:4
Points2:0
Years3:2024-
Clubs3:Cornish Pirates
Clubupdate:11 May 2024
Repyears1:2018
Repteam1:Ireland U20
Repcaps1:5
Reppoints1:0
Repupdate:16 March 2018
School:Bandon Grammar School
University:University College Cork

James French (born 22 November 1998) is an Irish rugby union player. He plays as a prop for the Cornish Pirates.

Early life

Born in Cork, French attended Bandon Grammar School, during which time he was All-Ireland schoolboy shot put champion from his first to fifth years. He began playing rugby as a centre, before transitioning to the back-row, and, finally, to prop.[1]

Munster

French joined the Munster academy ahead of the 2018–19 season,[2] and, after completing the three-year academy programme, was promoted to the senior squad on a one-year contract ahead of the 2021–22 season.[3] Following the disruption caused by the province's recent tour to South Africa, French made his senior competitive debut for Munster in their opening 2021–22 Champions Cup fixture away to English club Wasps on 12 December 2021, starting in the 35–14 win for the province.[4] He signed a two-year contract extension with Munster in January 2022,[5] but was released early from the contract in March 2023 to pursue a new playing opportunity.[6]

Ulster

French joined United Rugby Championship club Ulster ahead of the 2023–24 season,[7] and left at the end of the season,[8] signing for the Cornish Pirates.[9]

Ireland

Selected in the Ireland under-20s squad for the 2018 Six Nations Under 20s Championship,[10] French featured off the bench in Ireland's opening round 34–24 defeat against France on 2 February 2018,[11] before making further substitute appearances against Italy,[12] Wales,[13] and England,[14] as well as earning a start against Scotland.[15] French again won selection for the under-20s, this time in the squad for the 2018 World Rugby Under 20 Championship,[16] though he was forced to withdraw from the squad before the opening fixture against France due to a tournament-ending knee injury.[17] [18]

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Bandon born and bred, French making quick progress after switch from back to front. 9 March 2018. The42. 12 December 2021.
  2. News: Greencore Munster Rugby Academy Confirmed. 5 July 2018. Munster Rugby. 12 December 2021.
  3. News: Latest Player Contracts Confirmed. 4 March 2021. Munster Rugby. 12 December 2021.
  4. News: Munster's young guns thrill in wild and wonderful bonus-point win over Wasps. 12 December 2021. The42. 12 December 2021.
  5. News: Three Munster Players Sign Contract Extensions. 27 January 2022. Munster Rugby. 27 January 2022.
  6. News: Hurley signs professional contract and Moore extends Munster deal. 15 March 2023. The42. 15 March 2023.
  7. News: Ulster Rugby sign former All-Ireland shot put champion. 18 May 2023. Belfast Telegraph. 20 May 2023.
  8. News: Ulster confirm a nine-strong leavers list that includes Dave Ewers. Rugby Pass. 15 May 2024. 15 May 2024.
  9. https://cornishstuff.com/2024/07/06/irish-prop-james-french-joins-cornish-pirates-a-boost-for-the-upcoming-season/ "Irish Prop James French Joins Cornish Pirates: A Boost For The Upcoming Season"
  10. News: Tommy O'Brien To Captain Ireland Under-20s As Squad Is Announced. 22 January 2018. Irish Rugby. 12 December 2021.
  11. News: Ntamack at the double for France Under-20s against Ireland. 2 February 2018. Six Nations Rugby. 12 December 2021.
  12. News: Ireland Under-20's edge Italy in a thriller at Donnybrook. 9 February 2018. Six Nations Rugby. 12 December 2021.
  13. News: Botham's double helps Wales Under-20s hold on. 23 February 2018. Six Nations Rugby. 12 December 2021.
  14. News: England Under-20s beat Ireland but miss out on title. 16 March 2018. Six Nations Rugby. 12 December 2021.
  15. News: O'Sullivan double fires Ireland Under-20s to victory. 9 March 2018. Six Nations Rugby. 12 December 2021.
  16. News: Ireland Under-20 Squad Named For World Rugby U-20 Championship In France. 21 May 2018. Irish Rugby. 12 December 2021.
  17. News: Ireland Under-20s Miss Out On French Scalp In Tense Championship Opener. 30 May 2018. Irish Rugby. 12 December 2021.
  18. News: Five Changes For Ireland Under-20s' Clash With South Africa. 2 June 2018. Irish Rugby. 12 December 2021.