The towering lock made his Cardiff Blues debut in a 2006 Pre Season game against Selkirk.
James made his name with Llantwit Fardre Club before moving onto Cardiff RFC and eventually the Cardiff Blues. at 6'7, Down is crucial for Cardiff's success in the lineout's and is one of their most influential players.
Having progressed well, Down showed the potential he had over the next few seasons, but suffered a horrific broken leg when he fell at the tackle area in the second minute during the Racing Metro v Cardiff Blues match in Paris in November 2011.
He since recovered to become an integral part of the Cardiff Blues pack, making over 128 appearances for the region & scoring 5 points as he went into the 2018/19 season.
During two stints with Cardiff Blues, Down amassed 132 first-team appearances, while also playing 111 games for Cardiff RFC, before leaving the club for Russia in 2021.
Down signed for Lokomotiv Penza, where he would leave the Russian club in 2022 due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
(LS March 8, 2022)
Career
 |
London Welsh No 4 Lock |
2014 - 2015 |
 |
Cardiff Rugby No 4 Lock |
2006 - 2021 |
 |
Lokomotiv Penza No 4 Lock |
2021 - 2022 |
