'I just can't wait to show the old TJ is back... hopefully I can prove a few doubters wrong'

Tom James is gunning to making a lasting good impression after Scarlets snapped up the Cardiff Blues cast-off on a two-year deal on Tuesday.

Last capped in 2016, the 12-time Wales international had taken a break from the sport to treat depression, but his comeback last season didn’t reach the heights he wanted.

He felt he did enough playing for Merthyr, Pontypridd and Cardiff in the Welsh Premiership to warrant a shot higher up the ladder which the Blues weren’t willing to give him.

It was in May - less than six weeks ago - when he decided to take his chances, announcing that he was leaving the Arms Park after failing to get much of a look-in under John Mulvihill.

His gamble has quickly paid off. Scarlets have offered a 24-month contract that will see the 32-year-old turn up in west Wales next Monday to start pre-season training with the 2017 Guinness PRO14 champions. 

“I can’t wait to get started,” said James in an interview with WalesOnline, the media outlet with whom he recently told his full story about his battle with depression. 

“I’ve got loads to offer. Some people might think my best days are behind me, but obviously the Scarlets don’t think so.

“They saw my games at the end of the season and thought I was getting back to my best. They wouldn’t have given me two years if they didn’t think I was up to the job.

“I am a strong-minded person and come the start of the season I will prove a few people wrong. I am grateful for the opportunity.

“The way I am in myself, I just feel like I am a different person again. I just can’t wait to go down there and show them the old TJ is back. Hopefully, I can prove a few doubters wrong.

“You are going to have some fans out there thinking ‘Why have we signed him?’ But I know for a fact, when I look in the mirror, I will prove a few people wrong.”

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