Chasing the Dream: The Journey of Harrison James
Image credit: Simon Latham
“Rugby was a massive part of growing up and was all I ever wanted to do. I was probably like every youngster in Wales, and all I wanted was to be a professional. I started at St. Joe’s when I was 5, then moved to Rumney at age 9 due to the club disbanding, and then moved to Llanishen the year before high school, where my real ambition began.”
An ambition blossomed from the Cardiff area. Harrison James has been carving his path in rugby; he has run out for iconic clubs. James has a fitting story; let’s explore.
Cardiff RFC
Cardiff has a unique energy, a sense of life and anticipation that you feel the moment you arrive in the Welsh capital. Rugby is at the heart of the city. Of course, the Principality Stadium is the first thing that comes to mind. However, next to the grand stadium, you will find the Arms Park. Surrounded by history and the echoes of famous victories, the former home of the national team provided the stage for James’ first taste of senior rugby. Few could have been more fitting.
Over his tenure at Cardiff, he played over 50 games and tallied over 300 points. The 2023/24 season marked a defining chapter, with his boot and brilliance combining for a remarkable 179-point haul. Throughout this time, he got exposure to the Cardiff Rugby set-up. James talks about his love for Cardiff.
“Cardiff Rugby and RFC were a massive part of my development. Being my home club, it meant a huge amount to me to sign there, as I had spent my childhood watching them. Going into a professional set-up as a 16-year-old, I was probably quite naïve about what was required to succeed at that level. However, as I went through the academy, I picked up so much from not only the senior players but also my peers, many of whom are now internationals. I’m very grateful to have played for Cardiff RFC over 50 times and to have won trophies there at a young age.”
His talent was clear, and he even represented his country at age-grade level.
Wales U20s
For any young player in Wales, wearing the national jersey is the ultimate dream. James lived that moment when he represented Wales at U20s. He earned two caps, coming off the bench against Ireland and France in 2023. James talks about what it meant to represent Wales.
“Being picked for U20s was huge for me, having missed U18s through Covid. It felt like a big step in the right direction. I was so grateful to get two caps against Ireland and France; however, I was unfortunate to miss the World Cup. The boys I played with at U20s were great, and I’m still great friends with a lot of them now.”
It wasn’t just Cardiff and Wales U20s that helped shape a young player’s game. Cardiff University also played a significant role in James’ journey.
Cardiff University
For a player pursuing high-quality competition, you would be hard-pressed to find a better league than BUCS Super Rugby. Representing Cardiff University, James became a consistent presence on the team sheet and made a lasting impact.
With the game finely poised and time running out, James stepped up in the dying embers of the contest. The Wednesday night university crowd fell silent as he dropped the ball onto his boot and struck it cleanly. The drop goal split the posts, clinching a dramatic 25–22 victory. He also played a role in Cardiff University’s win over Cardiff Met at the Arms Park in 2024, further underlining his composure under pressure.
At the end of the day, rugby is all about enjoyment. James credits Cardiff University for reigniting his love for the sport and for attracting attention across the Severn River.
“After finishing with Cardiff Rugby, I struggled slightly with enjoyment, if I’m honest. Playing at university allowed me to express myself without having as much pressure that I often put on myself. It also allowed me to play a different type of rugby that is a lot faster, and having to adapt to situations quickly, I believe, really helped improve my game. The main thing about university that I am grateful for is the enjoyment of playing with my mates in an environment that’s professionally tailored to develop and excel in both my rugby and academics. I feel that playing in the BUCS really helped, as playing in England allows you to be seen more for potential opportunities, which is probably what helped me get onto the bench for Gloucester in the Prem Cup earlier this season. Despite not getting on, this experience was invaluable.”
Nowadays, you will find James running out for Newport in the Super Rugby Cymru.
Newport RFC
27 August marked James’ arrival at Newport RFC, seen as a strong addition to the defending champions. James has made several appearances for Newport. Now, as we approach the business end of the season, James and Newport will be hunting down a big result. Currently, they sit fourth, but everything is still to play for. James talks about his move to Newport.
“Newport has been a new challenge coming into the new SRC league. The boys at the club were extremely welcoming, and I have thoroughly enjoyed playing with them. Despite our slow start, I believe we are in a great place to do well in the league and cup this year.”
James has been a regular on Newport’s team sheet. It will be fascinating to see what the future holds for him.
“The goal is still the same: to try and get back into a full professional environment, and who knows where this can take me. However, I will also have my degree, which I will graduate with in July, and I will be excited to use it if my ambition of professional rugby doesn’t come.”
Much is still yet to be written in James’ rugby story, but his ambition burns bright. With his sights set firmly on the professional stage, the next chapter feels full of promise. It began at the age of five as an obsession with the game, a boy dreaming of the professional ranks, and now, he continues to chase that very same dream.
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