Wales flyhalf on the move
TRANSFER NEWS: Wales international flyhalf Sam Davies has signed a two-year contract to join the Dragons.
Davies – who has won eight caps for his country and is a former Junior Player of the Year – will leave the Ospreys to complete his switch to Rodney Parade.
Playmaker Davies is regarded as one of the brightest talents in the PRO14 and European game, with a deadly accurate left boot and incisive attacking game.
The 25-year-old has piled up the points at the Liberty Stadium since his regional debut in January 2012 against the Dragons, racking up an impressive 836 points in 150 games for Ospreys.
Davies also led the way in the PRO14 marksmen charts during the 2018/19 season with 148 points – including a match-winning 16-point haul against Cardiff Blues at Judgement Day VII.
Speaking about his move to Dragons, Davies said: “I’ve taken my time to carefully consider the different options for my future rugby career and this move is one I am excited about.
“I was impressed when I met Dean Ryan and speaking to him about the pivotal role he wants me to play at Dragons. He clearly knows his rugby and has a lot of experience to bring into the environment. It’s exciting to have discussed the direction and vision for Dragons rugby going forward.
“Staying in Wales and a commitment to Welsh Rugby was a key part of that decision, as I still have ambitions to play for my country and that will continue to be a focus and help drive me forward. I want to compete and play at the highest level and I’m hopeful with a new Wales coaching set-up, that I will get an opportunity again in the future if I’m playing at the top of my game.”
Davies has shone on the international stage since exploding onto the scene for Wales Under-20s and leading them to the Junior World Championship final in 2013.
He was later named the Junior Player of the Year for 2013, becoming only the second Welshman to win the award after Gavin Henson’s triumph in 2001.
Davies made his senior debut for Wales as a replacement against Australia at the Principality Stadium in November 2016 and, later that month, played an integral role in the win against Japan with a dramatic last-minute drop goal.
He made his full debut in the 2017 clash with Tonga in Auckland and has made a total of eight appearances in the senior set-up, scoring 24 points.
Dean Ryan, Director of Dragons Rugby said: “We are delighted Sam is joining the Dragons. He is a real top quality acquisition for the region as we strive to move forward next season.
“Sam will bring proven creativity and attacking flair to our back line and give us competition for the No.10 jersey going forward. He joins us with big aspirations for the future, in both the regional and international game, and we’re thrilled that he sees the Dragons as the best place for him to achieve those aims.
“Sam was identified as a key signing for us and I’m sure our supporters are excited as we are to see the X-Factor and leadership, both on and off the field, that he will bring to our squad.”
Meanwhile, Ospreys Dan Griffiths, Rugby General Manager, said:
“Sam leaves the Ospreys with the best wishes of everyone at the Region. He has grown up in our environment and been a big part of the team over the last seven years and his record speaks for itself. He feels that the time is right for a fresh challenge and we wish him good luck for the future.
“With Gareth Anscombe and Luke Price secured for next season and beyond, some exciting young talent coming through the ranks and further recruitment planned, we are looking forward to the coming season with real enthusiasm.”
Player News@samdavey1993 confirms he is leaving the Ospreys as contract expires.
Good luck for the future Sam and thanks for everything you’ve given to the region 👍https://t.co/JcZe9GlCZ9
— Ospreys (@ospreys) May 30, 2019
