 James has enjoyed a meteoric rise this season |
Cardiff Blues coach Dai Young says that teenage wing Tom James will make it to the very top. "He's still quite raw, but has got a lot of gas and natural talent, and we honestly believe that he is going to go all the way," said Young.
"You'll be seeing a lot of him before the end of the season - and a lot more next year."
Schoolboy athletics star James, 19, has shot through the ranks this season and starts against the Scarlets on Monday.
After joining Cardiff RFC from Merthyr in the close season, the former Rhymney Comprehensive pupil scored 11 tries in the first nine matches of the season for the Blue & Blacks.
 | Genetics do play a part. It's a big, physical game, and you've got to be able to handle that |
That earned the 6ft 1ins, 15 st youngster a call-up to the regional side, and he made a try-scoring debut as a replacement against Edinburgh in November.
He has also made an immediate impression on the Sevens circuit with Wales in Dubai and George.
"Tom came into the game late, but he's got a strong athletic background and has represented Wales at a number of levels," said Young.
"Genetics do play a part. It's a big, physical game, and you've got to be able to handle that.
"He came to us through the academy, with a lot of help from Merthyr, and has put a lot of the right sort of weight on.
"We feel he's ready for the big stage and have no worries about playing him.
"Tom knows what he wants and what is needed to achieve it - it's up to us to give him the tools to get there."
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