The
description 'utility back' inevitably suits certain player, and 'Jimmy' is one
of them, having performed to a high standard at wing, scrum-half, fly-half and
full-back.
Educated at Wirral
GS, James was a talented young footballer who had trials with both Crewe and Chester
City as a right wing, but rugby was his sway. As a teenager he played for New
Brighton, where his younger brother Andrew now plays (back-row or hooker), before
being invited to join the Sale Academy. He made his debut for Sale Sharks against
Leicester in a 'Zurich Wildcard Final' played at Twickenham in May, 2004, followed
later by a Premiership debut against Northampton.
Having
played for Cheshire from U15 level upwards, he has been honoured to play for both
England Students and England Counties - a highlight scoring a vital try to help
clinch a 26-24 win against Romania A in Constanta, and he has also been a member
of the England Sevens training squad.
Having
been National One's leading points scorer with 251 in 2005-06, it was a blow to
Coventry when he departed the Midlands club, him welcoming though the opportunity
to join the Cornish Pirates and live in a pleasant part of the country. The move
gave him a chance to return to full-time rugby with an ambitious club, and he
certainly gave us some quality back up to Alberto (Di Bernardo) in the kicking
department.
Highlights
in his first season with us would have been the magnificent match-winning drop
goal he slotted in the quarter-final of the EDF Energy National Trophy away to
Doncaster, and the hat-trick of tries he scored in our last home game of the season
against Pertemps Bees.
A
fully deserved recipient, James won the club's 'Sportsman of the Year' award in
2007.
