 James faces major competition for a place in the Blues three-quarter line |
Wales and Lions three-quarter Dafydd James says he still has international dreams following his summer move to Cardiff Blues. "I still believe and want to play for Wales," said James, 34 with 48 caps. "Fifty caps is a great milestone. I want to get there and perhaps go on further, I've always set high targets. "I've always had the aspiration, hunger and desire to play rugby at the highest level, when you haven't got that you should hang your boots up." Bridgend-born James signed a one-year deal at the Cardiff region, with the potential for a one-year roll-on contract.  | 606: DEBATE |
That followed an acrimonious departure from the Scarlets, his contract terminated in a dispute over the length of time he had been injured. James, a Lions Test player in 2001, was at Llanelli from 1999 to 2001, also playing for Pontypridd, Bridgend, Celtic Warriors and Harlequins before returning to play for the Scarlets regional side in 2005. "I never thought about retiring, although it was looking a bit worrying at one stage," he told BBC Sport Wales. "The way it ended at the Scarlets was disappointing. "I'm still fond of the club and the fans, the boys on the field are great. | It's not about age, it's about ability and how you perform on the field |
"It was very unsavoury, but I want to be positive. I'm a Cardiff Blue now and I'm moving on. "I'm feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and looking forward to playing for the Blues. "I'm delighted to have joined one of the best teams in Europe, hopefully I can repay the management. "It's not about age, it's about ability and how you perform on the field." James says he does not mind whether he plays at centre or wing, but knows he faces a major battle to get into the Blues' first-choice XV. Gareth Thomas, Jamie Roberts, Tom Shanklin, Casey Laulala, Ceri Sweeney and Gavin Evans are in contention at centre. Leigh Halfpenny, Chris Czekaj, Tom James, Ben Blair, Thomas, and Roberts are all potential choices on the wing. "There's fantastic competition for places amongst the three-quarters, it doesn't allow any complacency," said James. "But I'm not coming here to make up the numbers."
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