James predicts exciting Ospreys future
Related players
Paul James made over 200 appearances for the Ospreys in two spells and won 66 Test caps for Wales, so he knows what it takes to be successful at the highest level.
Now he has transferred into coaching by working with the Swansea-based region’s academy and James believes the future is bright at the Liberty Stadium.
Able to prop both sides of the scrum during his playing career, James played at two World Cups, won a Six Nations Grand Slam in 2012, and a Championship title the following year.
He was among a hand-picked group of players who last September, in conjunction with the regions and the Welsh Rugby Players Association, began the inaugural 12-month long Player to Coach programme overseen by WRU Performance Coach Manager Dan Clements.
James is joined on the ground-breaking scheme by Ospreys colleagues Justin Tipuric, Bradley Davies, James Hook and Rob McCusker, Scarlets duo Leigh Halfpenny and Angus O’Brien along with Dragons’ Aaron Jarvis and Brok Harries and Cardiff Blues’ Dan Fish. On completion of the course, James, like his fellow graduates, will shortly secure a UKCC Level 3 award in coaching rugby union.
Paul James is now hoping to pass on his vast knowledge from an illustrious playing career where he gained 66 Wales caps
James retired from rugby in December 2018 after failing to overcome a serious shoulder injury and said: “I’m in with the Ospreys Academy and it’s been a nice stepping stone out of playing into my coaching career. It’s so far, so good.
“I did my level two coaching badge while I was with Bath. That was through the RFU and I’ve now gone on to level three with the WRU. Their new Player to Coach programme has been really good.
“When I retired I had three months off to relax, but I was a bit like a little dog wandering around lost.
“I felt after a long career I could give something back. Once I was told I’d have to retire I spoke to the Ospreys and they said they wanted to keep me on board.
“The front row is such a specialist position and if you can teach the youngsters good, basic skills early doors it will help them in the future. I’ve gone in at academy level to earn my stripes.”
Ten players were hand-picked for the first intake of the Player to Coach programme
While James continues to earn those coaching stripes, there are new faces in charge at the Ospreys at senior level. Toby Booth is the new head coach having joined from Harlequins.
Booth coached James when the pair were at Bath.
“The players should feel excited. I worked with Toby at Bath and he’s a class act,” said James.
“I’m sure he will get the boys raring to go and on track. Toby did a bit of everything at Bath as Neil Hatley was there at the same time. Boothy would do line-outs and team attack.
“In fairness he can chuck his hand to anything.
“He’s got an all-round range and I think he’ll be a big asset to the Ospreys. He understands the balance you have to have as a player between working hard and enjoying each other’s company.
“He’s good at building relationships. If you build good relationships with players as a coach then you get them on side and they play better for you.
