Jamie Jones Buchanan: my faith

In this interview with Guardian journalist Aaron Bower, Jamie Jones-Buchanan discusses his Christian faith and explains how it has had a powerful influence on his career.

Growing up in a working‑class suburb of Leeds dreaming of becoming a professional rugby player, Jamie Jones‑Buchanan always knew he was different.

“I always believed in something when I was younger, but I didn’t really know what it was,” he says. “How could I really? I’m just a lad from Bramley who wanted to make it and realise his dreams as a rugby player.”

Jones-Buchanan emphatically ticks all the boxes for people who may have in mind a stereotype of an English rugby league player. The strong northern accent, the passion for the sport, the imposing frame – and the mental and physical battle scars from a near 20-year career.

Read the full story here

When I go through adverse periods in playing, that trust and belief in Christ is truly what keeps me believing and gets me ready to go again.

Are sport and faith connected?

Further reading

• Christians in sport
• Sports Chaplaincy UK
• The role of religion in sports performance