James prepared for Clermont goodbye

Editor

Brock James' time with Clermont is coming to an end, and after a decade with les Jaunards he admits that leaving will be a sad experience.

Sunday's home game against La Rochelle, who James will join next season, will be his last at the Stade Marcel Michelin.

Clermont go into the final weekend in first place and have qualified for the semi-finals, to be played at Roazhon Park in Rennes, hoping to then make the final held at the Nou Camp in Barcelona.

Before all of that though James will take stock of a brilliant ten seasons with Clermont, who he joined back in 2006 from the Western Force.

Since then he has gone on to make 287 appearances for les Jaunards scoring close to 2400 points ahead of this weekend.

"Obviously, it's special," James told Rugbyrama. 

"But in recent months we have all tried to put the team first. This is our last match before the play-offs and it's important for the team to have a positive dynamic.

"But it's true that after 10 years here, I can't forget it's my final game. I have known great players here. Jamie (Cudmore, the second-row), for example, my first meal in France I think it was with him. He took me to the restaurant … We spent a lot of time together on the field and off it. We went through a lot together. It's weird to say goodbye to everyone.

With a smile he admitted: "I am Franco-Australian, yes. I've spent ten very good years here, I grew up. I created my family here. There are many things that have changed for me since my arrival.

"There are a lot of memories… tough times, but we had fun. My wife and I, we have made a lot of friends and it is not easy to leave. It is with great emotion that I leave. But life goes on and I'll get a new challenge.

"The fans always supported me here, the public has always been behind me. I want to thank them for that."