James Benjamin (born 21 February 1994) is a Welsh rugby union player who plays for the Dragons regional team as a hooker. He is a Wales U20 and Wales 7s international. It is a well known fact that James is below the average height of a hooker standing at 5'8". James is an avid fan of Tottenham Hotspur FC.

James Benjamin
Birth nameJames Benjamin
Date of birth (1994-02-21) 21 February 1994 (age 30)
Place of birthNewport, Wales
Height172 cm (5 ft 8 in)
Weight102 kg (16 st 1 lb)
SchoolBassaleg School
UniversityColeg Gwent
Rugby union career
Position(s) Hooker
Openside Flanker
Number 8
Current team Dragons
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2013– Dragons 85 (35)
2021Cornish Pirates 5 (5)
2022Hartpury 1 (5)
Correct as of 11:25, 6 February 2024 (UTC)
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2013–2014 Wales U20 17 (35)
Correct as of 30 November 2022
National sevens team
Years Team Comps
2015–2020 Wales 10

Club career

edit

Benjamin began his career in the back row, capable of playing as a flanker or number 8. A member of the Dragons academy, Benjamin also played for feeder clubs Cross Keys RFC and Bedwas RFC. Benjamin made his competitive debut for the Dragons in 2013, against the Wasps.

In 2020, Benjamin began a conversion from back row to hooker.[1] He spent time on loan with Cornish Pirates and Hartpury University R.F.C. to gain experience in the position.[2][3] He made his first competitive start for the Dragons at hooker on 27 November 2022 against the Lions.[4]

International career

edit

Benjamin represented Wales U20 for two seasons, playing in the Six Nations Under 20s Championship and World Rugby Under 20 Championship.[citation needed]

Benjamin has also featured for Wales Sevens, and was included in the squad for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.[5]

References

edit
  1. ^ "Dragons forward is now a hooker after year-long project to move from back row". South Wales Argus. Retrieved 30 November 2022.
  2. ^ "Dragons forward becomes a Pirate to develop dark arts after switch to hooker". South Wales Argus. Retrieved 30 November 2022.
  3. ^ "Trio to push for Dragons action in England after going on loan to Championship". South Wales Argus. Retrieved 30 November 2022.
  4. ^ "Former back rower Benjamin to make first Dragons start as a hooker in South Africa". South Wales Argus. Retrieved 30 November 2022.
  5. ^ "Rugby Sevens | Athlete Profile: James BENJAMIN - Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games". results.gc2018.com. Retrieved 30 November 2022.
edit