20 Questions: Tom James – Cardiff Blues and Wales wing

Tom JamesMust be delighted to be back in the camp?
Definitely. It's been five years since my last cap so I'm loving every minute of it so far. Getting that call from was the best phone call I've had in a long time.
When did you find out?
He called before the end of the season but I still waited anxiously for the list to come out before I told anyone because I didn't want to be disappointed in case Warren changed his mind.
Did you ever give up hope?
Not really. Despite not being a regular squad member I still read every announcements to see if my name was in there. So to see it this time around was a great feeling.
What do you have to do to make the final 31-man squad?
Everyone will train hard so I'm looking to do that and hopefully I'll get a chance to show what I can do in the warm-up games. I thought I played well for this season but what will make the difference will be playing well in the Wales shirt. I didn't take my opportunities in the past so I hope I will this time.
Is that one of your biggest regret?
I was just young and I didn't realise what I had until I lost it. It made me hungrier to get back into the set-up. was there, too, which didn't help my case. If I get another shot I'll be looking to get my hands on the ball more and make linebreaks. That's something I didn't do the last time as I was just staying on my wing.
It means you'll join the Blues later than expected?
I don't know if returning to Wales helped my case to make the squad but I'm excited to be back.  and Justin Burnell gave me my first shot thereand I was there for seven years. Hopefully I'll only return in November!
Looking forward to playing on the 3G pitch?
I played on the ' and Newcaslte's pitch and it is very fast which suits me.
What will you take back from your two years in Exeter?
It was the change I needed. They've improved me as a player. I could always attack ball in hand but other sides of my game have improved massively.
Can the Chiefs push on and break into the top four?
Without a doubt! They have a great squad and a great academy with youngsters pushing the experienced players hard. Dean Mumm will be a big loss but they've signed very good players and they'll make the Premiership semi-finals next season.
Where did it all start for you?
I quit athletics on my 18th birthday because all my mates went to play rugby out of school. I joined and a few month after I started the Blues invited me to train with them.
Joined the Blues when?
I eventually moved across the following summer and out of nowhere I was picked by Wales ahead of the 2007 .
Do you remember your debut?
It was against at Twickenham in the warm-ups. I remember going on and standing behind the post straight away as England scored. They hammered us that day.
Was it your best memory in rugby regardless?
Has to be. It was a great achievement to get my first Test cap.
If not rugby what would you be doing?
I'd probably still be in athletics. I was pretty good as a teenager running for Wales.
Did you have a holiday before going into camp?
I went to Bali and the Maldives which was very good. I was nice to relax and cut off from rugby to get myself ready for some very tough months coming.
So no sprint session on the beach like ?
No I just let my body relax. I wanted to be as fresh as possible going into camp.
How do you chill out?
I like to take my niece and nephew out and have meals with friends and family.
Favourite cheat meal?
I don't mind a Chinese now and again on Sundays. Cheesecake and ice cream hit the spot after a game.
Three dinner guests?
Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson and Mo Farah.
Best and worst dressed at Exeter?
Best is Phil Dollman; worst is Ben White who never gets it right.

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