HUME IN FULL BLOOM
James eager to seize big chance after impressing
JAMES HUME has charged up his batteries for this golden chance to impress Andy Farrell.
The Ulsterman was only called into Ireland’s Summer Series squad as an injury replacement but he describes himself as “an energiser”.
And boss Farrell has been so taken by what the centre has brought to the end of season camp that he has rewarded the 23-year-old with a debut Test cap against the USA.
“I’ve been really impressed,” said Farrell. “I haven’t worked with James before. He came in on the back of Garry Ringrose (inset) getting injured and it’s been great to work with him.
“He’s a big strong lad and we know that he plays at the line, he’s really hard to handle. His appetite and his workrate are great but his skill level is good as well. He’s working hard on his communication and his distribution skills, that’s getting better. It’s about taking that onto the field now.”
Hume is intent on doing that as one of four new caps in the side – all from Ulster. It helps that his provincial team-mate Stuart Mccloskey, who has been a mentor to him, is his centre partner.
“Stu has been massive for me,” Hume remarked. “He was one of the first to take me under his wing and show me the way. I was never nervous to ask him questions and he was always willing to help me out. It’s great to have him there for my first cap.”
But Hume has been quick to work things out for himself.
When lockdown occurred, he made a conscious decision not to use it as an excuse to drift. He stayed focused and sharp as he worked towards his goals. “It could have gone either way,” he mused. “I could have just said, ‘It’s a weird season’ and drifted through it, waited until crowds came back and everything came back to normal or else knuckle down and make the most of it. I feel that’s the route I chose.” It was the same when he got the late Ireland call-up. He added: “I had the intention of going down, putting my best foot forward, letting them know what I’m like as a player and as a person, making a good impression, showing that I want to be there for the long run. And if I got capped, that’s great – if not, I want to be under strong consideration in the future.”
And those traits as a player and a person? “As a person, confident but not cocky,” he replied. “Try and mix with everyone. I’d say I’m quite an energiser.”