Eddie James (rugby union)

Eddie James (born 10 August 2002) is a Welsh rugby union player who plays for the Scarlets and Wales national team as a centre.

Early years and amateur rugby
James first played for the Carmarthen Quins youth team, and attended Ysgol Bro Myrddin. He attended Coleg Sir Gar, where he played before joining the Scarlets academy in 2020.

To gain further experience, James went to New Zealand in 2022 to spend three months with Linwood RFC, alongside fellow academy player Sam O'Connor.

James played for both the Quins and Llanelli RFC while attached to the Scarlets academy, making 13 appearances for Llanelli in what was to be their final season in the Welsh Premiership.

Scarlets
James made his first appearance for the Scarlets on 2 September 2022, in a pre-season friendly against Bristol, coming off the bench.

James was named on the bench for the Scarlets in their URC match against the Bulls on 27 January 2023, but was not used. He was again selected in the squad to play Edinburgh on 18 February 2023, coming off the bench in the second half to make his competitive debut. James scored the final try as the Scarlets won 42–14.

On 10 March 2023, James made his first start for the Scarlets, in a friendly against the Saracens.

James made his first start in the league on 14 April 2023 against Glasgow, at inside centre. The following week he signed a contract extension with the Scarlets, along with fellow centres Joe Roberts and Ioan Nicholas.

James was named as the Coaches’ Breakthrough Player of the Season for the 2023–24 season.

Wales U18 and U20
James was selected for Wales at U18 level, but the season was disrupted due to Coronavirus.

He was selected for Wales U20 for the delayed 2021 Six Nations Under 20s Championship. James spent another year with the side, featuring in the 2022 tournament.

Wales
On 6 June 2024, James was added to the Wales squad for the tour to Australia. James made his debut on 22 June 2024 against South Africa, coming off the bench.

James made his first start for Wales on 19 July 2024, in an uncapped friendly against Queensland Reds.