James travelled with the Scotland A squad to Bucharest and helped them to lift the IRB Nations Cup.

Previously employed in the back row, the 24-year-old admits he was happy to seize his chance, even though it was in a different department in the pack.

James said: “I enjoy playing in the back row, but I think it is important to show that I can play in different positions.”

James acknowledges the transformation from flanker to lock could pave the way through to a potential career in Test rugby.

He added: “It gave me a chance in front of the coaches to show what I can do. As long as I’m playing rugby then I’m happy and if playing in the second row means I can play at a higher level then it is definitely something I would be interested to pursue.”

James joined Glasgow on an apprentice contract at the start of season 2005/06 from GHA and, after impressive performances for his new club Ayr, stepped up to join the Glasgow pack in the Celtic League, resulting in him getting a full-time professional contract.

In 2006 James was honoured with the William Purves Quaich as Outstanding Scottish Young Player of the Year following his performances for both Glasgow Warriors and Scotland U21. He featured in the U21 squad competing in the U21 World Cup in France.

He has represented Scotland at under-18, under-19, and under-21 levels. His under-19 honours included playing all nine of Scotland's 2004 internationals, five of them in the IRB World Junior Championship in South Africa, when he scored a try in the 35-5 win against Italy.

James was a member of the Glasgow Rugby Academy and the West of Scotland Institute of Sport. He was unavailable for the 2005 under-21 Six Nations matches because of injury, but he appeared in all five of Scotland’s games in the age group's world championship in Mendoza, Argentina, as well as continuing in the team for the internationals against France, Wales, England, and Ireland last year.

James was sponsored by glasgowwarriors.com for season 2008/09