Butch comes full circle
5 Nov 2012
Former Springbok flyhalf Butch James has confirmed that he will finish his career with the Sharks.
James becomes the latest big-name Lions player to leave Johannesburg following the franchise’s relegation from Super Rugby in July.
It’s been no secret that James has been interested in returning to Durban for what could be his final season. On Monday night he confirmed that he is officially back where it all began over 10 years ago.
‘Officially Black & White for next year! Its good to be home!!’ James tweeted.
James made his Super Rugby debut for the Sharks in 2001, and played for the franchise for seven seasons before joining English club Bath.
He signed with the Lions in 2011 for two seasons in order to make himself eligible for national selection ahead of the World Cup in New Zealand.
While James did not feature prominently at that tournament, he did play a key role in the Boks’ successful global campaign in 2007.
He will provide valuable cover in the flyhalf position next season, and more importantly he will be tasked with mentoring younger Sharks pivots like Pat Lambie.
14 Comments
5 Nov 2012, 21:29 pm
Jumping ship dragon!
5 Nov 2012, 21:47 pm
Welcome back home Butch…
Sharks Legend!
5 Nov 2012, 22:26 pm
I wonder for how many seasons
5 Nov 2012, 22:27 pm
A la Stefan Terblanche
6 Nov 2012, 00:17 am
So long as its not a la M Joubert
6 Nov 2012, 02:08 am
Butch a ‘big name’ Lions player is 2012?
I don’t think so, he’s so over the hill, won’t feature much, if at all, at the Sharks.
Nice try though, Jon.
6 Nov 2012, 04:25 am
Butch James idea of tackling is more suited to a career in the WWF
rather than the rugby fields of the world
His modus operandi
leading with his elbows or shoulders as he launched
himself into another Late and High hit on NZs finest
his punishment
absolute zero
Good Riddance
6 Nov 2012, 07:56 am
Good signing as backup to Lambie.
Has been playing some of his best, most mature rugby recently for the Lions.
Welcome home boetman.
6 Nov 2012, 10:28 am
Butch has his weaknesses but has been playing some awesome rugby. Will not be a regular starter but will provide good back-up.
He has been a loyal servant to SA rugby – hope he gets the swan song he deserves.
Could not think of a better person to mentor Pat Lambie.
6 Nov 2012, 12:48 pm
Great backup to Lambie
Will also start matches like Force,Rebels etc
Game management role etc still good at
6 Nov 2012, 12:59 pm
Sharks are building a quality squad….if Bissy and F Steyn get over their injuries I reckon Sharks will be the team to beat next year….class all over the park and on the bench.
Just need an out and out fetcher…
6 Nov 2012, 13:04 pm
what great news, welcome home Butchie!
6 Nov 2012, 13:25 pm
Awesome player. A true sharks hero. Other fans may not get it, but all sides have a local boy who is supported no matter what. As a loyal servant of sharks rugby, I wished him well at Bath & at the Lions. Glad he is back.
Surprised Bath have not snapped him up. By all accounts they loved him there & Mr Stephen Donald has not quite hit he heights.
Very glad to have Butch back.
6 Nov 2012, 14:35 pm
Great signing to mentor Lambie.
Not sure if he will be in the match 22 though.
I would go with Riaan Viljoen as my 10 cover. I enjoyed his play in CC at 10.
Then i will go with either a centre or wing as the other back position.
Either Whitehead or Odwa.
@grant10-11: They have a great squad. Do you think Marcell will start next year for them?
I think it will be
6. Daniel
7. Alberts
8. Kanko
19. Marcell
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