Ian Botham's grandson steps onto Sevens stage

Cape Town - James Botham, the grandson of English cricket legend Sir Ian Botham, is set to make his international Sevens debut for Wales in next weekend's season opener in Wellington. 

Ian Botham played 102 Tests for England between 1977 and 1992 and is largely considered one of the greatest all-rounders to ever play the game.

James' father, Liam Botham, played rugby for a number of top tier English and Welsh clubs without ever being capped at international level while he also played county cricket for Hampshire.

James currently plays his rugby for the Cardiff Blues.

"James Botham's selection supports the work we're trying to do in developing players with regions. He's a very promising play for Cardiff Blues. He's trained and has earned his opportunity in Wellington," Wales coach Gareth Williams told walesonline.co.uk.

The Wellington Sevens takes place on January 27 and 28.

Wales are in Pool D and will play Scotland, Russia and Canada.

Wales squad:

Owen Lane, Morgan Williams, Steffan Andrews, Elliot Frewen, Owen Jenkins, Tom Williams, Ethan Davies, Lloyd Evans, Adam Thomas, Sam Cross (captain), James Botham, Ben Roach, James Benjamin, Matthew Owen.