Andrew David James was born on the 8th January 1979 in Johannesburg but has been known as ‘Butch’ ever since his grandmother gave him the nickname when he was still an infant.
Butch joined the Sharks union back in 2000 where he was capped 45 times in the Currie cup and 53 times in the Super Rugby competition where he played in 2 finals, unfortunately both ended in a loss, 2001 against the ACT Brumbies (36-6) and 2007’s controversial 20-19 loss to the Bulls (2007 final is an article and debate all on its own).
Butch made his debut on the international stage in the Springboks’ 32-23 loss to France at Ellis Park in 2001. He was cited and banned following the game for a late, dangerous hit on French wing David Bory. Moments such as this would come to characterise James’ early career, and he developed an unwanted reputation for tackling with the shoulder that was often picked up on by referees. Butch hung up his test boots in 2012 after more than 10 year of international participation with the Springboks and a 2007 World Cup winner’s medal to boast.
Following the 2007 World Cup, James took up a contract with English Premiership club Bath, where he made his debut in a 28-6 win over Auch in the European Challenge cup, earning himself “Man-of-the-Match”.
In 2001 Butch returned to South Africa to join the Lions on a 1-year contract. On completion of this butch re-joined the Sharks.
Throughout Butch’s career he has been plagued with unfortunate injury that he seems to always overcome although it has meant he has spent a lot of time on the side-lines. In 2001 he tore his anterior cruciate ligament in 2001 and would not return for six months and repeated the injury in 2004 leading to many critics stating he would no longer be able to compete at the highest level. Further knee problems saw James limp off the field during the 1st test against England in 2007. His time at Bath was also fraught with injuries.
| FULL NAME | Andrew David |
| SURNAME | James |
| HEIGHT | 184 cm |
| WEIGHT | 98 Kg |
| BIRTH DATE | 08 January 1979 |
| BIRTH PLACE | Johannesburg |
| FAVOURITE FILM | Old School |
| FAVOURITE MUSIC | Kaiser Chiefs |
| FAVOURITE FOOD | Lamb |
| PRIMARY SCHOOL | Merchiston Primary |
| SECONDARY SCHOOL | Maritzburg College |
(info was gathered from www.sharksrugby.co.za , www.sarugby.co.za and Wikipedia)
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FAVOURITE MUSIC Kaiser Chiefs…… I know jack shit about music but is this correct 🙂
@Lassy_lion (Comment 1) : yes. Kaiser Chiefs is a UK indy band.
They are based in Leeds. Now, as boys, they were big fans of Leeds United, who Lucas Radebe played for. Lucas, of course, played for Kaiser Chiefs earlier in his career, so the band is named after the club.
Ruby ruby ruby ruby!!! whooo-ooo-oo-ooooo
@Robby Hambly (Comment 3) : exactly!
@robdylan (Comment 2) : I should probably not say this out loud, but I am a big LUFC supporter from my time in the UK…time they get themselves back into the premiership now! 🙄
@AlienArmy (Comment 5) : they will be back next year! you heard it here first….. 😛
@The Hobbit (Comment 6) : Well, been waiting since they dropped out in 2004. They are off to a pretty good start this year, apart from last weeks loss to QPR 😥 I was at Anfield in 2000 when Viduka scored all 4 goals to down Liverpool 4-3. Better stop talking about this else I might get banned from SW! haha 😯
Having played a lot of league golf with Elton, Butch’s brother, Butch is a lot smarter than most people think. Elton is also a fantastic guy and very good golfer who current plays golf for Natal. Great that Butch will retire playing for the Sharks!
@Coxy (Comment 8) : Im hoping that once Butch retires he stays on in a consultancy based role. maybe kicking coach or something.
@The Hobbit (Comment 9) : Tackling coach? 😈
Favorite Food is Lamb?! 😯
And we still wonder why Lambie’s game has been off since Butch returned to SA….the poor boy is living is fear for his life 😈
I think KSA Shark is or was a LUFC fan too…
@Coxy (Comment 8) : “Butch is a lot smarter than most people think.”
Strange comment. I’ve never met a single person commenting on Butch’s lack of ‘smarts’. Are you sure you aren’t confusing him with just about any of the Bulls’ players? 😈
@vanmartin (Comment 13) : no – Butch is rumoured to be quite thick.
@robdylan (Comment 14) : First I’ve heard of it. Thought would never even have crossed my mind based on the interviews I’ve seen. Glad its been dispelled then.
Butch is one of my all time favorites. Typical college boy ,hard and uncompromising but looks like someone you could have the hardest party with too.
@robdylan (Comment 14) : Having met and spoken to him I can attest to that… This was a good few years ago, I am not sure the knocks and concussions have helped much.
I am also A Proud LUFC fan since I was a Small Boy. If u are A true Leeds fan u should watch a Movie called “the Dammed United” great movie.