James started off playing Rugby League from the age of 10 for Blackpool Scorpions. Just three years into the game, he made that much of an impression that he trialled for the County side and was successful. From there, James represented Lancashire Rugby League for 3 consecutive years, alongside his much-beloved Scorpions team.

It wasn’t until his move to the University of Cumbria that he had to step down as a mainstay for Scorpions. He did, however, continue to play rugby at University, as well as several other sports.

Unfortunately, ambitious and job focussed graduate, James, had to take a step back from rugby for 6 years due to work commitments. It wouldn’t be until 2018 that James made his sporting return.

James joined Blackpool RUFC in the preseason of the 2018/19 season. Initially, it was just to re-gain some fitness after becoming a dad to Matilda. Much to his surprise, the transition to Union and the hiatus from the sport didn’t prevent James from becoming a first-team regular.
Despite the challenge of finding James’ best position, he impressed coaches with his pace and ferocious defensive work, particularly impressive seeing as it was his first-ever season pulling on a union shirt!

It came as no surprise then, that James won the coveted “Brick Wall of the Year” award last season.

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