Whatshot
Where Is He Now? KZN's Butch James
Where Is He Now? KZN's Butch James
James began his professional rugby career in 1999 as a provincial player for the Sharks and the Natal Wildebeests. During this time, he also represented South Africa in the Rugby Championship tournament (formerly Tri-Nations) and was an IRB Rugby World Cup winner in 2007. Shortly after this achievement, James was offered a spot in England's Bath rugby team in to play out the rest of his career. He, however, he returned in 2011 to play for the Golden Lions and, finally, returned to his home team, the Sharks, in 2013.
After James announced his retirement at the end of 2013, he joined Varsity Shield side, together with UKZN Impi's head coach John Mitchell, as backline and kicking coach. Now James will be returning to his home town, Pietermaritzburg, to coach alongside other rugby greats at the Investec International Rugby Academy's Players' and Coaches' courses taking place from 27 June to 3 July at St Charles College.
Based on the highly successful training model of the New Zealand Rugby Academy, the Investec International Rugby Academy, which was started in 2009 by former Sharks coach and Springbok backline coach, Dick Muir, plays an important role in the professional careers of many of SA's rugby players and coaches.
James shares the sentiment that other coaches at the Investec International Academy have about using their experience and knowledge to give back to the youth.
"Seeing the boys implement what you have coached them and the smile on their faces, when what you teach them improves their game, is so rewarding," said James.
"If I had had an opportunities like the Investec International Rugby Academy before I started my career, it would have helped so much. Only after playing professionally for a couple of years do you gain the insight that the coaches at the academy can teach you. The best thing about the academy are the coaches," added James.
Coaches for the June courses include former Rugby World Cup players' John Allan (1991) and Werner Swanepoel (1999). As well as former Springbok's assistant coach Dick Muir, former British Lions coach Andy Keast, ex-Wallabies kicking coach Braam van Straaten, ex-Springbok assistant coach and current Sharks coach Gary Gold, former Sharks coach Grant Bashford and All-Blacks, Chiefs and Blues technical advisor Nico le Roux. Boys can look forward to learning from former Springboks Dick Muir, Gcobani Bobo, Ian MacDonald and most capped South African Rugby Player Jacques Botes as well as local coaches' Ryan Strudwick and Greg Miller. In addition to the professional coaches involved in the academy, international referee, Mark Lawrence, will be teaching the theories behind the game of rugby and its laws.
Rugby stalwarts Peter de Villiers (2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cup coach) and Ian McIntosh (Springbok coach, selector and director of Natal Rugby in the 90's) are also part of the line-up.
Playing rugby is more than just becoming a professional and, according to James, many skills can be learnt from the game that will be needed later in life.
"The game of rugby teaches the keys to success in all aspects of life. Punctuality, discipline and doing your best in the team are vital skills in rugby and in life. The Academy is a way for the boys to learn all of this and more from the experienced players," said James.
The Investec international Rugby Academy's player and coach courses will commence on 27 June. For further information contact Bernadine on 031 940 5565 or visit https://www.investecacademy.com.