Former London Welsh mini mat be making a name for himself at Premiership giants Wasps, but he sees himself returning to his roots when it is time to hang up his boots, writes Damian Dolan.

The 19-year-old was on the losing side as Wasps crashed 38-28 to Harlequins in the A League on Monday having been promoted the the Wasps full-time academy in April.

The England U18 full back’s reputation is blossoming on-loan at National Division One Blackheath, but his rugby education began with the exiles’ minis when he was six.

By the time James had progressed to the U9s at Old Deer Park, his dad, John, was coaching the team, and he continued to play for the club up until he was 15, when he left to board at Harrow School.

But while he now has his sights set firmly on progressing through the ranks at the Coventry-based club, his heart is still very much closer to home.

“I feel that when I’m 40 I’ll hopefully come back and play for the Occies – that would be quite good fun. If I’m still able to run,” said James.

“My dad didn’t mean to get into coaching, but one day they didn’t have a coach, and he just stepped up.

“ He ended up doing it for about five years. He was a bit biased. A lot parents would be angry that I was the first name on the teamsheet.

“A lot of my age group at London Welsh then went off to boarding school and the team just faded. We lacked numbers and people disappeared to other teams, and my dad left when I left.”

James represented England at U16 level before progressing to the U18 side, and he’s now targeting a place in the England U20s squad for next year’s Six Nations and the IRB U20 World Championships in Manchester.

“Hopefully, I can push my way back in, however, whenever I play for England against Wales I’m never been quite sure who my parents are supporting,” he said.

With no LV= Cup this season, due to the Rugby World Cup, James’ target with Wasps is the Aviva A League and the club thought highly enough of him to include him in its squad for this summer’s Premiership Sevens at the Ricoh Arena, as a travelling reserve.

“This year my focus is on just getting game time in the A League and at Blackheath,” he added.

“Next season the LV= Cup will be back and hopefully I’ll be pushing for Premiership games, but I just want to get game time, even if I went on loan to a Championship team – London Welsh maybe.

“As long as I’m getting game time at a high standard week in, week out.”