Sir Ian Botham's grandson James Botham called up by Wales

James Botham called up by Wales for Autumn Nations Cup game against Georgia; Cardiff Blues flanker is grandson of Sir Ian Botham; Scarlets wing Johnny McNicholl also called up; Wales on six-game losing streak

Image: James Botham could make his Wales debut against Georgia

Sir Ian Botham's grandson James has received a maiden call-up to Wales' Autumn Nations Cup squad.

The 22-year-old has been added to Wayne Pivac's group for the upcoming games against Georgia and England, having previously trained with the senior players.

The Cardiff Blues flanker, who has represented Wales Under-20s, comes from a sporting family as not only is his grandfather one of the greatest cricketers ever to play for England, his father Liam also played professional rugby in both codes.

James Botham was born in the Welsh capital in 1998 when his dad was playing for Cardiff and is highly rated within the Wales set-up.

Wales head coach Wayne Pivac says improvement will take time after they crashed to their sixth successive defeat against Ireland

Johnny McNicholl has also been called up. The New Zealand-born utility player has won four caps for Wales and comes back into the group after a recent injury.

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The Welsh Rugby Union confirmed in a statement on Monday evening: "Wales have called Johnny McNicholl and James Botham into their squad for the Autumn Nations Cup.

"McNicholl, who has been capped four times by Wales, made his debut in the 2020 Guinness Six Nations and has returned from injury to be available for selection.

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"Former Wales U20 backrow Botham, who has previously trained with the squad receives his first official squad call-up."

Wales, beaten 32-9 by Ireland on Friday, face Georgia in Llanelli on Saturday and then take on England seven days later.

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