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Players & Staff at The Cornish Pirates...
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James French
DoB 22nd Nov 1998
Birthplace Cork
Height 6’ 1” (1.85m)
Weight 19st 7lbs (124kg)
Position Prop
Honours Ireland U19s/U20s
It was announced in July that Cork-born James had signed for the Cornish Pirates ahead of the 2024-25 season.
Of interest a former All-Ireland schoolboy shot put champion, James started playing rugby at the age of eight for Bandon RFC and attended Bandon Grammar School. He was initially a centre, before transitioning to the back-row, and, finally, to prop.
Selected and competing for Ireland in the 2018 Six Nations Under 20s Championship, in the same year James joined the Munster academy before being promoted to the senior squad on a one-year contract ahead of the 2021-22 season. He made his senior competitive debut away to Wasps in the Champions Cup and then, after signing a two-year contract extension in January 2022, he had the opportunity to next sign for Ulster, from where he joined the Cornish Pirates.
Influences in James’ career to date have been his parents Billy and Shirley and girlfriend Claire, along with others appreciated in his closer circle of support. As for other clubs played for, they include Clonakilty in Cork, Ballynahinch in County Down, and Randwick in Australia.
Besides rugby James enjoys adventure and travelling, and he loves the countryside and being by the sea. Being from West Cork he grew up on a farm with the sea nearby, plus he savours good food – and good coffee!