Boyhood fan is living the dream with the Sharks
SALE’S Sam James went from being a supporter to a player when his dream became a reality in his breakthrough season.
Having made his way through the Sharks’ youth teams, the centre was a surprise starter for their opening game of the Premiership season in 2015.
To play for the club he and his family support and love was always his dream.
And you can tell by talking to the former Wilmslow High School pupil that even nearly five years on, it’s still surreal for James to put on the shirt every weekend – especially when his brother Luke is also in the side.
“I’ve grown up supporting them, I’ve come to every game as a kid pretty much,” he told M.E.N. Sport. “It’s a massive opportunity for me to represent them every year, as well as playing alongside my brother.
“I know my family and parents are very proud and my mum and dad come to nearly every match whether it’s home or away. So it’s a massive privilege every time I get to put the shirt on.”
However, James is fully focused on the here and now as he looks ahead to Sale’s trip to London Irish on Saturday.
The Sharks will be looking to bounce back from an opening weekend defeat to Gloucester in the Gallagher Premiership, which saw a last-minute penalty from Rob Du Preez – which would have won them the game – hit the post.
“London Irish had a good win at the weekend so it’s going to be a tough old place to go down to, they will want to start their season off at home with a bang,” said James. Across the board in the Premiership, I don’t think there are going to be any easy games.
“We’ve got to go down there to put revenge on last week’s performance.”
Despite being a regular for Sale and regarded highly by director of rugby Steve Diamond, James has yet to make an appearance for England at senior level.
He was a part of the squad that went on tour to Argentina in 2017 but he hasn’t been in Eddie Jones’ more recent plans.
“Obviously, any English player wants to play for their country,” said James. “It’s always at the back of your mind, but for now I’m concentrating on the massive job we have on our hands here.”
The Salford-born player may have not got a chance to play for England yet, but he has no shortage of inspiration from team-mates Tom Curry and Faf de Klerk excelling at the World Cup.
“You look at Tom Curry at the moment, who’s the star player for England but also Faf, they both got the man of the matches in the quarter-finals,” he said.
“It’s a massive push for everyone back here watching them, it’s where we all want to be.”