James Botham

James Botham (born 22 February 1998) is a Welsh rugby union player who plays for Cardiff Rugby as a flanker. He is a Wales international.[1]

James Botham
Birth nameJames Ian Botham
Date of birth (1998-02-22) 22 February 1998
Place of birthCardiff, Wales
Height188 cm (6 ft 2 in)
Weight103 kg (16 st 3 lb)
Notable relative(s)Liam Botham (father)
Ian Botham (grandfather)
Rugby union career
Current team Cardiff Rugby
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2019- Cardiff Rugby 19 (15)
Correct as of 9 May 2021
National team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
2017-2019 Wales U20 1 (0)
2020- Wales 7 (5)
Correct as of 13 March 2021

Early life

The grandson of all-round cricketer Ian Botham, James was born in Cardiff while his father Liam Botham was playing for Cardiff RFC as a wing. After his father moved to Newcastle Falcons for the 2000/1 season, James was educated at Sedbergh School, a boarding school in Cumbria.[2][3]

Club career

Botham joined the Cardiff academy in 2016, and in the 2018/19 season started making appearances for the senior team, initially in the Anglo-Welsh Cup, and then debuted in the Pro14 against Connacht Rugby. Botham signed his first professional contract with Cardiff in March 2019.[4][5]

International career

Botham made his debut for Wales under-18 on 25 March 2016 against Scotland under-18 at St. Helen's Rugby and Cricket Ground, Swansea, scoring a try in the 31-30 victory.[6] He has since made his debut for the Wales under-20 squad.[1]

On 16 November 2020, Botham was called up to the senior Wales rugby side for the Autumn Nations Cup tournament.[7]

International tries
TryOpponentLocationVenueCompetitionDateResult
1 CanadaCardiff, WalesMillennium Stadium2021 Summer Internationals3 July 2021Win

References
  1. "James Botham". www.ultimaterugby.com. Retrieved 3 February 2019.
  2. Steve May (31 May 2017). "Wales inherits Botham dynasty". The Times. Retrieved 27 March 2019.
  3. Media, P. A. (19 November 2020). "James Botham has 'big future' with Wales, says Pivac as player makes debut". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 22 November 2020.
  4. "Pro14: James Botham and Keiron Assiratti signs first Cardiff Blues deal". BBC Sport. 27 March 2019. Retrieved 27 March 2019.
  5. "James Botham, grandson of Sir Ian, earns Cardiff Blues professional deal". Sky Sports. 27 March 2019. Retrieved 27 March 2019.
  6. Andy Howell (25 March 2016). "'This is his dream... He's always said he's Welsh!' English cricket legend Ian Botham has no qualms about his grandson playing for Wales". Wales Online. Retrieved 27 March 2019.
  7. "Wales call up James Botham and Johnny McNicholl". BBC Rugby Union. 16 November 2020.


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