YOUNG GUNS
CAIOJAMES
WALES U18 & GLOUCESTER FLANKER
Pocket rocket back row Caio James is unusually short for his position among the piano shifters but the Welsh age-grade and Gloucester prodigy says he uses his low centre of gravity to his advantage over the ball.
James, 18, is just 5ft 9in while weighing 14st 6lbs, but has made a name for himself with both club and country, captaining Gloucester U18s last season and representing Wales U18s in the Six Nations Festival.
The Newcastle Emlyn-born forward came to rugby late having grown up playing football in Swansea City FC's Academy but opted for the oval ball aged 12 after strong influence from friends and hasn't looked back since.
James told The Rugby Paper: “It's a real honour to play for Wales and is something you dream of from a little kid, in terms of representing your country. It was a great experience in a very professional environment to train in. The camps leading up to the Six Nations were brilliant.
“The strongest part of my game is the breakdown. My turnovers are a key part of my game in the U18s for Hartpury and Gloucester. I spend 20 minutes after most sessions trying to perfect the breakdown. I use my height to my advantage as I'm not the biggest so it's easier for me to get on the ball and hold a low and strong position.”
James has climbed through the age groups at Hartpury College, allowing him to thrive at local Premiership side Gloucester, earning a senior academy contract for next season.
He added: “I moved to Hartpury at 16 and rose through the ranks. I played with the first team at the College and then developed into the ACE programme.
Hartpury got me into Gloucester, so I've really enjoyed my time there.
“I'm over the moon with signing for the academy. I've got a lot of people to thank in terms of the coaching staff and the support they've given me. Moving away from home at 16 wasn't easy and they took me under their wing. I'm excited to see where things can go.
“Having the opportunity to learn from experienced back rows like Lewis Ludlow is brilliant, taking inspiration from what they do. It's an honour to train with them and I want to use their experience to my advantage.”
Watching the U20s World Championship has made James eager to represent his nation in next year's competition, while he is also targeting first team action with Hartpury University to continue developing his game.
“Joining rugby quite late I didn't get those fundamentals as a young boy,” said James. “I've really worked hard on my catch-pass but it is still a part of my game I'm still trying to get better.
“I've got my eye on Wales U20s as that's the next step after representing the U18s. I want to play as good as I can in the Hartpury University setup, maybe push for the first team in the Championship and if the opportunity comes to run out at Kingsholm then that'll always be a privilege.
“My rugby role models are Scott Williams and Gareth Davies because they also played for my old club Newcastle Emlyn. We grew up in the same area, went to the same schools, so every time I watched
Wales on TV I looked out for Scott and Gareth. They were one of the main reasons I got into rugby as I've been watching them since I was a little boy and I'd love to emulate what they went on to achieve.”
