James first came to the attention of the UK rugby audience in December 2008 with an impressive performance as an 18 year old for Australia against the Barbarians at Wembley.
He is a former pupil of Brisbane’s Nudgee College (following in the footsteps of Hugh McMeniman and Rocky Elsom) and on earning his first full cap against Italy in November 2008 became the second youngest player ever to represent Australia at rugby union (18 years and 80 days)
In fact, with New Zealand born parents and a South African grandmother, he could have represented any of the Tri-Nations countries. But he has recently committed to both the Australian Union and Western Force until the end of 2011.
Now 19 and with 14 caps already, the versatile back is being hailed as the next Matt Giteau. He would be a very useful addition to any DOR squad as he can play fly half, inside centre or full back.
As with all players featured in our talent scout series his rating is guaranteed to go up (from 81 to 88 in this case) so act fast.
Ian Spokes 04 March 2010
He is a former pupil of Brisbane’s Nudgee College (following in the footsteps of Hugh McMeniman and Rocky Elsom) and on earning his first full cap against Italy in November 2008 became the second youngest player ever to represent Australia at rugby union (18 years and 80 days)
In fact, with New Zealand born parents and a South African grandmother, he could have represented any of the Tri-Nations countries. But he has recently committed to both the Australian Union and Western Force until the end of 2011.
Now 19 and with 14 caps already, the versatile back is being hailed as the next Matt Giteau. He would be a very useful addition to any DOR squad as he can play fly half, inside centre or full back.
As with all players featured in our talent scout series his rating is guaranteed to go up (from 81 to 88 in this case) so act fast.
Ian Spokes 04 March 2010
Director of Rugby: Talent Scout Archive
