James toying with move to Crusaders
Dafydd James say he is toying with the idea of a move to the Celtic Crusaders following his release by Sale.
Sale have been a very active club during the close season and have brought players to the club at 10 a penny. This has meant that a few lower quality players have been released as they are unlikely to feature in first team plans there this season.
There are a number of avenues that James could travel down but with fellow Welshman already playing at the Crusaders, he said he was very interested when their was reported interest to sign him from the club. The move would also be a switch in codes from 15-man rugby union to 13-man rugby league play.
If he does go to the Crusaders then he will have many attributes that will help his new club. However, he is not getting any younger and he may find it difficult to make the impression at the Crusaders that he may be hoping for.
Attributes
Versatility is James' biggest attribute. He has played enough games to know how to adapt to a variety of different conditions and he can use this to his advantage. It means that he can comfortably fill in for other players and makes him more appealing for a club to sign.
He also has a huge deal of experience having played over 50 games for Sale, 48 games for Wales and three games for the British and Irish Lions. This means he will should not have any trouble settling in and he should be able to help younger members at a new club progress.
He's a leader and this is something that the Crusaders have reportedly been looking for. He can use his vocal influence to have an impact on the team and help them during key games.
He said: "I'm as fit as ever, highly motivated and looking to continue playing top flight professional rugby for another one or two seasons. I'm looking at all possibilities, including a switch to league with the Crusaders although my main ambition at the moment would be to stay in union."
Pressure
A lot of older players toy with the idea of making a switch to rugby league because it is less physically demanding than rugby union. This would mean additional pressure on James because he would be expected to do more both on and off the ball.
There would also be a great deal of pressure on him to take to any changes like a duck to water. It does not matter how experienced a player you are, the transition between the two formats of the game can still be challenging to take on.
He added: "It was a frustrating and disappointing time last season - at Cardiff my opportunities were limited and when I moved to Sale we were in a relegation battle. But I've grown from last season and I am probably a better professional for it."
Betting advice
There is no doubt that James will take the fruits of his experience to a new club and this will be very beneficial to that club. If he does join the Crusaders as the rumours are suggesting then he will make them a much more compact and organised side.
This means they will be less likely to leak points during the course of the season and should mean that they win a few more games. James also plays in central positions so don't count him out from scoring just because of his age and his decreased pace. He seems as hungry as ever so don't be afraid to back him and his new club once a move has materialised.
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