Dafydd James

• Date of Birth: 24/07/1975
• Height: 6ft4
• Weight: 15st 5lbs
• Caps: 48 (+3 for the British Lions)

Dafydd James is the Cardiff Blues center and winger, having joined the Welsh rugby region in the summer of 2009.

He started his career at Bridgend, but it was at Pontypridd where he would make his name, forming a top class partnership with the future Welsh captain Gareth Thomas. Interestingly both were usual centers for the welsh valleys side, but would both be playing on the wing when it came to Welsh appearances.

Dafydd James’ career has taken him through a number of clubs. Llanelli, English side Harlequins, Bridgend again (twice more) and the Llanelli Scarlets – before recently signing for the Cardiff Blues. The reason for this signing was the disgraceful way he was treated by the Llanelli Scarlets.

He is a Welsh rugby legend. Actually born in Zambia rather than Wales I don’t think anyone can doubt his Welsh credentials with the name ‘Dafydd Rhys James’! With 48 Welsh caps and 3 British Lions caps it can certainly be said he has played at the highest level the game can offer. Add in the fact that he has the record number of tries in the Heineken cup and you certainly appreciated just how talented this center/wing is.

Interestingly though many people have failed to rate Dafydd James throughout his career. When he was playing for Wales there was always a suspicion amongst fans that he was simply the best of a bad bunch – and there was certainly a lot of shock he toured with the British Lions, and even more that he started the tests.

But time and again Dafydd has answered those critics with professional, hard working and talented performances. He has always shown skill and commitment in every game and is a player that young players should be looking up to as a real role model.

It is unlikely he has many games left at the top level, but as with every game and I am sure he will be giving it everything he can before bowing out.

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