ALWAYS WALES FOR BEEFY LAD

Wales Georgia Principalitystadium5.15pm

AS the grandson of one of English sport’s true greats, James Botham has taken plenty of stick over his desire to become a Welsh rugby star.

But today the advice of cricket legend Sir Ian Botham will bear fruit when the latest member of the famous family graduates to sport’s highest level.

Rookie Cardiff Blues flanker Botham, 22, (above) has played just 13 games of senior rugby but has been thrown in for an international debut against Georgia in the Autumn Nations Cup.p.

He said: “Everyone gives me grief saying, ‘Your grandad couldn’t be more English if he tried’ but I was bornn in Wales and I had the Welsh flag painted on the wall in my room as a kid.. I always wanted to play for Wales.

“Grandad tells me be professional,, ignore the haters you’ll always get, keep your head down and try and become the best you can.

“He says to enjoyoy myself – that’s the main thing.”

Botham is one of 13 changes made by boss Wayne Pivac whose teamm are bidding to endd a run of six straightht defeats.