Ian Botham, the great grandson of England cricket, got his first call-up to the Wales rugby team in dramatic style ahead of this week’s Autumn Nations Cup international match against Georgia on Monday.
James Botham, 22, was preparing to make the Cardiff Blues debut against Benetton Traviso.
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But just an hour before Monday’s kick-it-funny announcement, it was withdrawn from the Pro14 fixture.
Fans will have to wait until Thursday, when Wales coach Wayne Pivak will announce his squad to play for Georgia, to find out whether the former Wales Under-20 international Botham is in line for a full Test debut against Lelos at Lealoli on Saturday.
Botham is the son of Lim Botham, a former professional cricketer, rugby union and rugby league player who attended Cardiff in the 1990s.
Wing Johnny Manicholl has also been included in the squad after missing the preliminary selection due to injury, as this weekend marks the end of Wales’ losing streak in a series of Tests.
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Botham has been in fine form for Cardiff during his four games this season, averaging 16 tackles per match, with a success rate of one per cent.
Ian Botham played 102 Tests for England from 1977-1992, and is considered one of the best all-round cricketers of his pay generation.
The former England captain, a supporter of Brexit, recently became a member of the House Lord of the Lords, the second non-elected chamber of the British Parliament and his official title is now Lord Botham.
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