The talented Academy forward, is very much a hybrid, modern player, capable of performing in the second row or back row with his ball carrying ability and power game.
Last weekend the QUB RFC captain scored Ulster's solitary try in a 31-5 defeat against Munster 'A' in Tipperary and starts in the second row tomorrow afternoon against the same opposition at Affidea Stadium.
James, reflecting on last week’s match, what did you take away from the experience?
The result was obviously very disappointing, it was a tricky match with the wind down in Nenagh Ormond. I felt first half we had the wind behind us and we probably didn’t make the most of it, when we got into their 22 we didn’t capitalise and were not clinical enough.
Second half our discipline got us down, we struggled to get into the game and they made the most of the wind in the second half. It wasn’t what we hoped for but we are looking to rectify that.
It’s class to be playing at Affidea Stadium for an ‘A’ game, we haven’t really had the opportunity to do it that often but it’s a class ground and will be good to see some home support. I'm looking forward to getting out there!
How important are these games for players like yourself?
Massive. As Academy players we all play All-Ireland-League but the ‘A’ fixtures are a big step up because they give you a proper taste with a mixture of Academy and Senior lads being involved. It’s a chance to show senior coaches that you can play at that level and perform against senior players.
With our Academy players getting chances this season, has it given you a boost to see that opportunities can arise?
Bryn Ward as an example, was in the same position a few months ago as we are now, and you can see how fast he’s progressed and worked himself into an Ireland squad. He’s an example of how performing well in these ‘A’ games can give yourself a platform to get closer to playing opportunities. Charlie Irvine as well is doing brilliant, so seeing those guys do well gives me confidence as the pathway is there.
It’s been a challenging season for Queen’s University this season in the AIL Division 1B, with a number of key players missing through injury, how do you reflect on your season from a personal point of view?
I felt I had a good pre-season but then early in the season, maybe my second AIL match, I suffered a bad ankle injury that required surgery and kept me out for about three or four months, so I’ve only really got back over the past month or so.
For me, it’s now about putting games together hopefully as I’ve had a rough couple of years with injuries making it disrupted.
You were named as the club captain of Queen's this season, how have you found that experience of being captain?
I have loved being captain even though the season hasn’t went the way we wanted it to go. It’s been tough not being on the pitch but I’ve been tried to be as involved as I can, going down on match days to support the team and help out as much.
It’s taught me a lot about leadership and it's added to my game, having that responsibility.
When I was out injured I went for a coffee with Ulster captain, Iain Henderson, and got some great advice from him. It was great to pick his brains, with his experiences in the game.
What stuck out to me as a young captain was his advice to not be afraid to lean on senior players in the team and you don’t always need to be the loudest, the key is to be yourself.
Hopefully with Queen's we can have a more positive end to the season.
How much of a boost has it been to work with the coaches you had at Ireland U20s?
The U20s was a class experience. Richie Murphy was my coach for the U20 Six Nations and I had the chance to play against Scotland down in Cork in front of about 15,000 people.
That summer, I was selected to play in the U20 World Championship in Cape Town under Willie Faloon - another fantastic opportunity. It's been great to have that previous connection and brilliant to have them here at Ulster.
What are your aims for the rest of the season?
My goal is always to get a senior cap and that’s been my dream since I played for City of Derry RFC minis as a kid. Hopefully positive performances in the ‘A’ games and AIL can be another step towards that goal.
Watch Ulster 'A' v Munster 'A'
Tickets for Friday's fixture (KO: 3pm) can be purchased from the link below, from £11.50 per adult and £6 per Junior/ U17. (Booking fee not included).
The fixture will also be available to watch for £5 via Ulster Rugby Live.