<1r>The Oxford Dictionary describes biochemistry as 'the science of living organisms' as appropriate a subject as any to hold a Masters degree in if you are a professional rugby player! While rugby pitches are alive with 'living organisms' of every variety (!), it is 'science' with it's connotations of expert skill and knowledge that is relevant to the subject of today's player profile as Paddy Lennon explains.
James Hudson has been fortunate to have encountered experienced and skilful advisors at key decision points in his career. The first was his Father, who played at lock and No 8 for Harlequins and Moseley. As a boy growing up in Solihull in the West Midlands James' Dad encouraged him to participate in sport at school but to keep an open mind on which sport he might like to focus on. So the teenager spent much time in the swimming pool ' he was county standard, and on the basketball court, also to league standard.
Mr Hudson senior was pro-rugby and guided his son through the schoolboy stages until he was able to decide for himself how his career was to progress.
Decision time came at the University of Bath. James joined the College squad and soon found himself heavily involved. Under the guidance of coach, John Mallett he developed quickly. He followed some fellow members of the College team to the Bath club where he first played for the Under 19s ' 'actually, my first game for them was against London Irish at Sunbury!' James recalls.
A number of good performances later and he was invited to join Bath Academy which allowed him to fit his rugby training around his studies.
<2>After successfully completing his four year Master's Degree in Biochemistry James became a full time professional with Bath. 'It was a good time to be at the club. Not only were there great, skilful players like Mike Catt and Matt Perry around, there was also the chance to learn from experienced, international second rows - Steve Borthwick, Danny Grewcock and more recently Rob Fidler. I was very lucky to have all three.'
The reasons for James' move from Bath to London Irish this summer have been well documented. As he says 'My decision to move was based on the fact that when I got opportunities to play and performed as expected, I didn't get the follow-on games. As soon as Steve and Danny were back they were straight into the team. Yes, I could have stayed, but I had enough of watching more rugby than I played!'
The move to London Irish has been refreshing and different. 'I've enjoyed being at Sunbury, it's good to have everything in one place (from a training perspective). I've been able to settle quickly, having met some of the guys in the England Saxons squad helped.'
The biggest difference between the two clubs for James has been the fact that the squad is used at London Irish. 'The coaches tell you that you will get your chance and you do. I was pleased to be part of the squad for the Wasps game in early September and was hoping to be involved, so it was great to make my debut. It's nice to play regularly; it makes you feel part of the team going forward.'
James' priority in the short term is to 'contribute all the time and to keep improving' at London Irish. His selection for the England Saxons team that played in the Churchill Cup in June was 'an enjoyable experience and it was great to get the opportunity to play at that level. Obviously I would like more of it but my focus has to be on playing the best I can, as often as I can for London Irish and the rest will take care if itself.'