Davies back in the running for Wales
The Rugby Paper|July 28, 2024
ALED Davies is the first to admit that being barred from playing for Wales for the past four years was hard to take.
SIMON THOMAS
Davies back in the running for Wales

By joining Saracens in 2020, the 20-cap scrumhalf became ineligible for his country under the WRU 60-cap rule, with last year's reduction to 25 caps still leaving him out in the cold.

But now the former Scarlets and Ospreys No.9 is back in the international mix, having signed for Cardiff.

"Obviously, the last four years have been difficult, wanting to play for Wales and not being able to be picked," he says.

"In that time, I definitely felt I was good enough as well.

"It was difficult because I wasn't forced out, but there weren't many opportunities for me in Wales and my best option was to leave.

"So that was probably the most difficult thing about it. But it is what it is. Everything happens for a reason and I think I am definitely a better person and player from leaving."

The Carmarthen-born Davies made 77 appearances for star-studded Sarries in all, helping them win the Premiership title the season before last.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE RUGBY PAPERView all
Gallagher's late brace proves key for Caldy
The Rugby Paper

Gallagher's late brace proves key for Caldy

CALDY built upon recent improved performances against London Scottish and Ealing to record a bonus point win against fourth placed Nottingham in a thrilling battle at Paton Field.

time-read
1 min  |
January 19, 2025
Leicester gunning to take down a legend
The Rugby Paper

Leicester gunning to take down a legend

MICHAEL Cheika is aiming to take down a French icon as his Tigers attempt their Champions Cup mission impossible in Toulouse today and upset his children in the process.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 19, 2025
Charnock the class has to end Havant resistance
The Rugby Paper

Charnock the class has to end Havant resistance

A MUCH improved second-half performance saw Westevencombe Park tually overcome a spirited Havant side who looked like providing an upset for much of the game.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 19, 2025
Quins turn on style to rip Sharks apart
The Rugby Paper

Quins turn on style to rip Sharks apart

A STORMING second-half mance saw perforQuins romp to a seven-try victory on the road.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 19, 2025
Williams is poised to shift up a gear
The Rugby Paper

Williams is poised to shift up a gear

TEDDY Williams will be looking to put his international disappointments behind him now his remarkable shift this season has been rewarded with a Wales call-up.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 19, 2025
Mitchell back to his best and ready for battle
The Rugby Paper

Mitchell back to his best and ready for battle

ALEX Mitchell is now eight games into his injury-delayed season and feeling full of energy for the Six Nations campaign ahead of him.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 19, 2025
Borthwick: It's time to put our foot down
The Rugby Paper

Borthwick: It's time to put our foot down

STEVE Borthwick insists he has come up with a solution to problem England's in closing out matches be even quicker out of the blocks in the upcoming Six Nations.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 19, 2025
Watson: I had to quit, I was in so much pain
The Rugby Paper

Watson: I had to quit, I was in so much pain

AS Anthony Watson trudged off five minutes into the second-half in Leicester's match at Sale in December, he knew deep down that his career was over.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 19, 2025
Seabrook hat-trick as Saints edge a thriller
The Rugby Paper

Seabrook hat-trick as Saints edge a thriller

A STIRRING contest ended in Saints scrambling heroically to gain a last 16 home tie and gallant Munster facing a knockout tie on the road.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 19, 2025
Barritt backing the new boys
The Rugby Paper

Barritt backing the new boys

BRAD Barritt won the Champions Cup three times with Saracens and believes the club are on course to be a powerhouse in the competition again.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 19, 2025