James Botham has added another remarkable chapter to one of British sport's most famous family stories.
His grandfather, Sir Ian Botham, is widely regarded as one of England's greatest ever cricketers.
Now his grandson has enjoyed his own moment in the spotlight, helping Wales secure a stunning 35-28 victory over New Zealand in Cardiff.
The flanker was named Player of the Match as Wales ended their 73-year wait for a victory over the All Blacks.
And for the Botham family, the celebrations are only just beginning.
Following in famous footsteps
Sir Ian Botham played 102 Tests for England, taking 383 wickets and scoring more than 5,000 runs during a glittering international career.
His grandson has followed a different sporting path, making his name in Welsh rugby rather than English cricket.
Botham has built his reputation on hard work, physicality and a willingness to do the dirty work.
But Saturday's performance will take some beating.
James Botham post match interview #WALvNZL https://t.co/SB6SBOr2D5
— Ffion🏴 (@FfionBCFC) November 14, 2026
Another big moment awaits
And the celebrations might not be over just yet.
Botham is set to become a father next week, making an already unforgettable few days even more special.
A famous victory over the All Blacks, a Player of the Match award and a baby on the way.
Not a bad week to be James Botham.
WALES PLAYER RATINGS VS ALL BLACKS:
15. Blair Murray- 7
The Scarlets player entered the contest off arguably his best performance in a Welsh shirt in some time. The 25-year-old will have been keen to build on that confidence-boosting display, and he carried that impressive form into this contest.
More often than not, he made valuable metres with the ball in hand, with a classy step just before half-time and his solid defensive work throughout.
14. Louis Rees-Zammit- 8
Every time he had possession, he expertly created an attacking opportunity for his side, scored his try well, and, overall, delivered another perfect 80-minute performance.
Eddie James- 8
The more James is selected at outside-centre, the clearer it becomes that the 24-year-old could be wearing the 13-jersey for years to come.
Showed his incredible strength with the ball in hand and in defence throughout, especially in the wide channels. He was a brilliant asset when Wales’ backline attacked. Scored Wales' bonus-point brilliantly in the corner and made a brilliant try-saving tackle in the second-half.
12. Max Llewellyn- 7
Having proved his worth last week, making his first appearance at inside-centre for Wales in more than three years, Llewellyn passed the test with flying colours.
Carried well, lost the ball forward near the All Blacks’ whitewash, but Wales still had a penalty advantage, and they soon scored. His big-carry ability was on show again.
Gabriel Hamer-Webb- 6
The Leicester Tigers winger faced a significant challenge against the All Blacks. It was only his second international cap, with his first coming during this year’s Six Nations campaign, and it carried unwanted memories.
In place of Josh Adams, who bagged a brace against Japan, Hamer-Webb didn’t make much of an impact like his counterparts in the back-three and was an injury concern before half-time. One of his main highlights was his strength under the high ball.
Sam Costelow- 7
Has Steve Tandy already revealed his thinking ahead of next year’s World Cup? This was Costelow’s first opportunity to start consecutive matches since Tandy took charge, potentially offering insight into the head coach’s plans.
In all he once again had a solid showing and kicked extremely well.
9. Tomos Williams- 6.5
Given the experience Williams brings to the side, there was an argument for handing either Reuben Morgan-Williams or Che Hope the opportunity to start instead.
With that After brilliantly scoring Wales’ first, his missed tackle on his opposite number brought the visitors back into the contest. Questions will continue whether he should keep hold of the nine jersey moving forward.
1. Nicky Smith- 8
Smith was afforded another opportunity to stake his claim for the starting loose-head shirt, with his rival for the jersey, Rhys Carré, not even included in the 23-player squad to face the All Blacks.
He turned the ball over expertly, and Wales broke the deadlock moments later. He's been one of Wales' standouts this November, and Gareth Thomas replaced him midway through the third quarter.
Dewi Lake- 8
One of the main talking points that coloured Lake’s return to the international stage last week was Wales’ lineout success. Last week, inside-centre Llewellyn came under scrutiny before kick-off; this weekend, his Gloucester teammates were in the spotlight.
At his first line-out, Lake fired his arrows straight and was soon followed by the 27-year-old scoring.
3. Archie Griffin- 6.5
With the experienced Tomas Francis ruled out of the squad entirely due to injury, this November is a golden opportunity for the Bath tight-head, especially with the World Cup next year.
He lost possession close to the visitors’ line but responded well with a brilliant tackle on Scott Barrett as his side came under immediate pressure after the fumble. As he did last weekend, from close range Griffin scored his second of November from close range.
4. Dafydd Jenkins- 8
The second-row spoke fondly of the All Blacks during the week, and after playing his first game for Wales since the Six Nations against Japan, Jenkins demonstrated why he remains such an important figure in the pack.
One of Wales’ best defenders throughout the enthralling opening 40 minutes. The second-row won't get the plaudits for his performance, but he was brilliant.
5. Adam Beard- 6
After falling out of favour for the starting jersey during the Six Nations, and subsequently being released from the Welsh squad last week to feature for Montpellier in the Top 14, Beard’s experience was a welcome addition to the pack.
Despite playing his fourth Nations Championship contest, this felt like an important moment for the 30-year-old, but he didn’t do much apart from improving Wales’ lineout slightly and the odd hit and carry.
6. James Botham- 9
After coming on as a late second-half replacement against the Brave Blossoms, Botham earned his first start since facing Argentina in San Juan, replacing Cardiff teammate Alex Mann in the process.
Was decent around the breakdown area, tackled well defensively, and made the blind-side jersey competition very interesting. After 60 minutes, with his side under pressure on their line, he held the ball up expertly.
Rightly deserved the Player of the Match award.
7. Jac Morgan- 8
There may be fewer words here, but that doesn’t mean Morgan had any less influence on proceedings. Wales’ standout performer, and some argue he is currently the finest back-rower in world rugby.
Dave Rennie revealed in his pre-match press conference that he was eliminating his breakdown threat; however, he turned over possession early in the contest. He did so yet again throughout the encounter and proved once again why he's currently Wales' finest.
8. Taine Basham- 7
What a moment for Basham, who made his first start for Wales since facing England in the 2022 Six Nations, and came into the match against the All Blacks in fine form and offered the same standout capability as injured Aaron Wainwright.
He tried his hardest when he had possession, and his work rate was impressive. He clearly had a point to prove, and Wainwright finally has real competition for the number eight shirt. It was rather surprising to see the number eight replaced before the hour mark.
Replacements:
16. Ryan Elias- 6
17. Gareth Thomas- 7
18. Dillon Lewis- 7
19. Ben Carter- 6
20. Taine Plumtree- 7
21. Reuben Morgan-Williams- 6
22. Dan Edwards- 7
23. Louie Hennessey- 7
