The 33-year-old also won 12 caps for Wales in a career that saw him win the Anglo-Welsh Cup with the Blues in 2009 and play in the infamous Heineken Cup semi-final defeat to Leicester Tigers in the same year.
Having scored a try for the Blues in that epic semi-final contest at the Millennium Stadium, which ended as a 26-26 stalemate after extra-time, he was called on to take one of the kicks in the penalty shoot-out. He followed Ben Blair, Nicky Robinson, Leigh Halfpenny and Ceri Sweeney and was given the chance to earn a place in the final after Johne Murphy missed for the Tigers.
Unfortunately, he hooked his attempt wide and the contest went on for a further six kicks before Martyn Williams missed. That enabled Jordan Crane to step up and put the English club into the final.
If that episode showed his courage in stepping forward, later in his career he showed the same fortitude when he let the world know about his private battles with depression. The illness forced him to take time away from the game, but he bravely battled back to resume his career and once again reveal his strength of character.
His bouts of depression often left him struggling to eat or sleep and led to him making excuses for not going to training. At his lowest ebb he admitted to having suicidal thoughts before he suffered a breakdown in early 2018.
That would have been more than enough to end most people’s careers, but James not only battled back to full fitness, but also returned to playing at regional level. He ended his Blues career after two spells at the Arms Park with 163 appearances and a record 60 tries to his credit.
He headed west at the start of the 2019-20 season to join the Scarlets. He made just four regional appearances before the current shutdown.
“With a lot of time to think, I’ve made a decision to retire from professional rugby. I’ve loved the opportunity that the Scarlets have given me this season,” said James.
“It’s been an awesome experience meeting new players, coaches and staff who will be friends for life. Looking back, I have some wonderful memories over the last 14 years, from signing my first contract at Cardiff Blues, running out onto Twickenham to make my Wales debut against England in 2007 and the couple of seasons I had with Exeter Chiefs.
“I’ve had unbelievable experiences in so many countries and that is all down to rugby. I’ve been fortunate to have been coached by the best coaches and have played with some of the best players in the world, including my idol Gareth Thomas.
“To all the supporters, the rugby family as a whole, I can’t thank you all enough, but the biggest thanks of all goes to my own family, friends and the many people who have helped me through my career.”
A talented former 400m, 800m and cross-country runner, Merthyr-born James joined his home town club in 2003 after switching to rugby in his late teens. He made an immediate impact at the Arms Park after joining Cardiff in 2006 and made his breakthrough for the Blues in the same season.
By the following year, James had earned his first cap as a 20-year-old – against England at Twickenham in the build-up to the 2007 World Cup – although aside from making his debut it was a day to forget as Wales lost 62-5.
His final appearance for Wales came in the 27-23 victory over Scotland at the Millennium Stadium in the 2016 Six Nations. Renowne d for his pace, power and stamina, and usually clearly identifiable by his trademark scrum-cap, he was an instant hit among Blues and Wales supporters.
James left the Blues for a successful two-season spell in the English Premiership with Exeter Chiefs in 2013, before returning to the Blues in 2015.He also returned for a second spell with Merthyr and was on the bench when the Ironmen lost 25-19 to Cardiff in the final of the WRU National Cup.
“TJ has been awesome. Unfortunately, he picked up a couple of knocks back to back, so from a playing point of few he didn’t get as many opportunities as he would have hoped for,” said Scarlets head coach, Brad Mooar.
“However, that never lessened his spirit or drive. An outstanding professional on and off the field, as a senior pro and class man, the value he has brought with his experience, presence and bubbliness has been superb.
“I am thrilled for TJ that he has had this positive experience at the Scarlets and is now able to make this decision on his own terms. Having enjoyed an outstanding career, all of us at the Scarlets wish TJ, Brooke and their children well for the future.”
