By David van der Merwe - South Africa Writer

Butch James announced his retirement from International rugby on Monday 16 April 2012, at the age 33. He said it wasn't an easy decision to make but that the time has come to make it. He will continue playing for the Lions for now. Here is a look at James' life and career up to now.

Andrew David James was born in Johannesburg, South Africa on 8 January 1979. His Grandmother gave him the nickname Butch as a baby and he has been called that ever since. Butch attended Maritzburg College in Pietermaritzburg, Kwazulu-Natal. He started his club career at College Rovers in 1998 and went on to make his professional debut for the Sharks in 1999.

James went on to play 53 Super Rugby games for the Sharks scoring 384 points. He played in both their Super Rugby Finals. They lost in 2001 to the then ACT Brumbies 36-6. James missed 4 penalties in this game. In 2007 they again lost, this time to the Bulls 20-19 in what was a controversial finish.

He also represented the Sharks in 45 Currie Cup games scoring 373 points. In 2007 he ended his contract with the Sharks and moved to Bath after the Rugby World Cup. Before his move he represented College Rovers in 43 games at club level scoring 324 points.

In 2011 James returned to South Africa from Bath in England. He signed a contract with the Lions and has represented then in 9 super Rugby games since then, scoring 23 points. His overall stats are as follows:

• Provincial Caps: 68 (Career)
• Provincial Points: 507 (11t, 72c, 98p, 4dg)
• Provincial Debut: 1999 v Falcons
• Super Rugby Caps: 62 (Career)
• Super Rugby Points: 407 (6t, 88c, 64p, 3dg)
• Super Rugby Debut: 2001 v Bulls
• Test Caps: 42
• Test Points: 159 (3t, 27c, 29p, 1dg)
• Test Debut: 2001 v France

Butch started his international career with controversy as he got suspended for a dangerous tackle after his second test. Only three test later he got suspended again for an illegal tackle. In his earlier days he tended to go high or into the tackle with a swinging arm or no arms at all. He has worked hard at this and since these incidents have been sighted seldom or not all.

He is known as a hard tackling fly half or inside centre that backs down for no one. His early springbok career was marked by a couple of serious injuries. In 2002 he had to under go knee surgery after he injured his knee. He game back after 6 months and in 200s he was recalled to the Springbok Squad only to have it ripped away from him in the last game for the Sharks against the Stormers. With only minutes to go in the match he was helped from the field with another injury to his knee.

James formed a crucial part in the 2007 World Cup winning squad of Jake White. He played in three of the pool matches and then in all three play-off games including the final. In the final he was key in keeping Johnny Wilkinson of England at bay. The Springboks won the final 15-6. He went on to play in the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

James has made an impact for all the teams he has played with his hard hitting tackles on defence and his ability to read the game on attack. we wish him good luck in the rest of his career and hope to see more of him at the Lions.