Sharks Career
James played for the Natal Sharks in the Currie Cup and for the Sharks in Super Rugby. He has twice played in a Super Rugby final for the Sharks, being on the losing side on both occasions: in the 2001 Super 12 final, the Sharks lost 36–6 to the ACT Brumbies, James missing four penalty attempts in the first half; in 2007 they lost 19–20 to the Bulls.
His career with the Sharks and the Springboks was hampered by injury. In 2002, his appearances were restricted, following knee surgery. In the 2004 Super 12 season, he played in every game for the Sharks and looked certain to be recalled to the national squad until an injury to the cruciate ligaments of his left knee, 12 minutes into the last game, against the Stormers, ended his season and kept him out of rugby for six months.
Despite his history of injuries, James has a reputation as an aggressive tackler and excellent place kicker. Early in his career he was frequently penalised for dangerous tackles, particularly tackles above the shoulder, with a swinging arm, or without the use of the arms. In only his second Test, against France, he was cited, and suspended, for an off-the-ball hit on French wing David Bory, and three Tests later, against Australia, he was sin-binned for a tackling offence. More recently he has improved his tackling technique and is now less prone to conceding penalties.
It was announced on 9 July 2007 that he had signed a two year contract with Bath Rugby though he continues to be eligible to play for the Springboks.
Read more about this topic: Butch James
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