JAMES BOTHAM OS SELECTED FOR WALES U20 IN RBS SIX NATIONS

Congratulations go to OS (E, 2016) James (Jim) Botham who was capped for the first time for Wales Under 20s, playing Scotland in the Six Nations.

James, blindside flanker and former Sedbergh School Football Club 1st team regular, scored a try in his first match after the team got off to a flying start. Writing for RBSSixNations.com, Ben Baker described Botham as having ‘scythed through the Scottish defence to touch down in the corner for his first Under-20s try.’ Follow @JimboBotham and @WelshRugbyUnion for more news. 

James started playing rugby when he was seven years old, whilst at Cundall Manor prep school. He says, “Cundall Manor was a huge part of my rugby development as I had a brilliant coach from the age of 9 until 11 – Mr Butler. He made rugby enjoyable and, at a young age, the most important thing is to enjoy it while you’re playing.

From year 9, I boarded at Sedbergh School and saw my rugby improve year by year. Injuries got in my way several times over the years but I have stuck to my belief in working your socks off. I think you have to be a little selfish when opportunities come as sometimes they only come once; I have now played Wales U18, U20, Wales 7s and have signed with Cardiff Blues.

I set goals for myself and I have achieved them but you’re never done – there will always be a new challenge ahead, a new goal, the next game.”

Wales U20 head coach Jason Strange: “James is a very good athlete who, through hard work, has built on his natural talents as a sportsman to become a real prospect in the game. We’ve seen him come through the Wales age group pathway, and most recently he’s been gaining invaluable experience with the Wales Sevens programme, so the future is bright for him.”

Image Credit: Welsh Rugby Union

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