FORMER WALES INTERNATIONAL Tom James has earned a two-year deal with Scarlets after returning to professional rugby following treatment for depression.
The 32-year-old winger joins the Welsh region ahead of the 2019/20 campaign, having parted company with Cardiff Blues by mutual agreement in May.
James, capped 12 times for Wales, took a break from the game in 2017 for personal reasons and last season returned to feature for the Blues, while also appearing for Merthyr, Pontypridd and Cardiff in the Welsh Premiership.
Now back to full fitness, James will add to Scarlets’ back three options next term, particularly during the World Cup period.
“I can’t wait to get started. I am absolutely delighted to have secured this move with the Scarlets,” James, who had two spells with Cardiff Blues either side of a stint at Exeter Chiefs, said.
At the end of last season I felt I still had plenty to offer professional rugby, but the opportunity didn’t come at the Blues.
“I have worked hard in the off-season, feel in good shape and the hunger is there again after a tough couple of years.
“This is an exciting move for me, especially with the way the Scarlets play the game and hopefully I can also offer my experience to the younger players in the squad.
“I want to prove to people that I’m back.”
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He announced this week’s ago. Also ye are reporting today that McTominnay has declared for Scotland. That was announced last week.
I downloaded the app for up to date news, not old news I’d already heard.
@Trev Gilmore: to be fair McTominay was not called up today. But yeah, the Carrick news is old
@Dave O Keeffe: *was only called up today
@Trev Gilmore: no, he didn’t. Jose did.
Underused by England and underrated by clueless fans. A top class midfielder.
@The Bloody Nine: Agree 100% (Liverpool fan here)
@Keith Synnott: me too.
A Rolls Royce of a player.
So long Michael………it was a pleasure to watch you.
@David Sinclair: only comes out for the weddings is it?!
If I recall correctly, in LVG’S first season, Carrick was out injured in the early part of the season and United were struggling by mid November. Carrick came back from injury to help steady the ship and I think they won 8 and drew 2 of the next 10 games. He would have been 32/33 back then but he was still able to show what a good player he was to help turn United’s fortunes around. He was always unappreciated by the (non United) fans and pundits in Ireland like Giles and Dunphy, particularly on Champions League nights, because he had taken the place, and the jersey, of Roy Keane. Very underrated player, still capable of doing a job if required before he retires at end of season.
@Sloop John G: Always liked Carrick as a player Sloop John, don’t support any club he played for but he was the ultimate pro, and he played in teams where box box and scoring midfielders took the plaudits, Carrick doh knitted it all together held up play left players get into position and played the pass, sounds easy but he made it look easy not a bad medal haul either, will be missed by many football fans.
His watch is nearly ended. He did a fantastic job for the club,no messing,just got on with the job.
And he just learned to pass the ball forward. A legend though with a nice family life
A fine player who hardly ever put in a poor performance, unappreciated because he was seen as Keane’s replacement which he wasn’t and could never be.
@Eamonn Ó Maoldomhnaigh: That’s a good one Eamonn, now why didn’t I think of that :-)