The Dragons are bringing back home another talented Welsh exile after signing Wales Sevens international Rhodri Davies for next season.
The 25-year-old Pembrokeshire-born Rotherham Titans scrum half becomes the latest signing made by Bernard Jackman as he seeks to turn the Rodney Parade outfit into real contenders in the future.
Davies joins Ross Moriarty, Jordan Williams and Rhodri Williams in committing his future to the Dragons from English clubs. Jackman doesn’t want to stop there as he scouts for Welsh qualified players and senior internationals George North and Ryan Bevington are on his radar.
Davies left Wales for South Yorkshire after four highly successful seasons at Llandovery RFC where, in 65 appearances, he scored 19 tries and was selected three times for the Scarlets. Since joining Rotherham he has continued his scoring form this term with six tries in eight starts for the struggling Championship club.
“After speaking to Bernard Jackman I’m looking forward to coming back to Wales as it’s an exciting time to get involved and join the talented young Welsh players already at Rodney Parade. Given the brand of rugby Bernard wants his team to play it will suit my style,” said Davies.
Davies has not only played for the Wales Sevens side in the past, but also won honours with Wales Students and the Great Britain Students sevens whilst studying at Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Jackman is confident that Davies will add stiff competition for the No 9. As well as Welsh international Rhodri Williams, the new head coach has given Wales Under 18 caps Dan Babos and Callum Morris a chance to showcase their talents this season.
“Rhodri may have been out of sight, out of mind, but if anyone has been watching Championship rugby this year they can see that he, along with Rhodri Williams and Jordan Williams, who have both signed for us from Bristol, are all talented players that are performing at a high level consistently,” said Jackman.
“We want to bring in players with ability that can back it up from week to week, so to bring Rhodri back to Wales is great. Rhodri knows where the try line is, he’s got Wales Sevens experience too and we’ve seen with some of our other players the positive impact that format of the game can have on player development.”
