Bath prop Paul James relishing call-up by Wales for Six Nations clash with Scotland

Paul James: Called up to replace Gethin Jenkins at Murrayfield

Bath prop Paul James admits he is relishing the opportunity to turn out for Wales against Scotland in their Six Nations showdown at Murrayfield on Saturday.

James has been called up to replace the injured Gethin Jenkins as Wales target a victory that would keep alive their hopes of winning the title.

A move from Ospreys to The Rec a year ago has reinvigorated the 30-year-old, who will earn his 44th cap at the weekend as he continues to be talked about a contender for the British and Irish Lions squad to tour Australia.

"I am enjoying my rugby. I feel like I have made a good impact every time I've come on in games, and I am just looking forward to having a start," said James.

"I think playing in the Premiership is a bit closer to international rugby in its intensity. I think that has improved my game, and it is starting to show a bit.

"I wouldn't say it is just playing in the Premiership. It was also the fact I played for the Ospreys for 10 years, you are at one club for so long and maybe you get a little stale.

"I suppose going to Bath I was new there, but so were all the coaching staff. The slate was clean and it was just about training hard and waiting for your opportunity.

"Touch wood, it's gone well so far. I've settled in nicely, got on with the boys and formed a nice partnership with Davey Wilson and Rob Webber, and Mearsy (Lee Mears) before he called it a day.

"It's just a more physical league to play in the Premiership. Then when you move to international rugby again the standards step up, the physicality steps up, but Premiership rugby is just that one stop closer."

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