By David Williams
Gareth Davies has been backed to continue delivering the goods for the Scarlets – despite his surprise retirement from international rugby.
The Wales scrum-half decided to end his Test career on Thursday, just four days before Warren Gatland is due to name his squad for the autumn series.
The 34-year-old won 77 caps and scored 17 tries in a decade-long career for Wales, but has no plans to end his playing days.
Scarlets coach Dwayne Peel – a predecessor to Davies in the Wales No.9 shirt – believes Davies still has much to offer the region.
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Peel said: “Gareth has been superb for us in the opening weeks of the season and still has a lot to offer us in terms of both playing and his leadership role here.”
That assessment chimes with most Wales fans who will be perplexed as to why Davies has chosen to call it a day, even though Tomos Williams has been Gatland’s preferred first choice in recent times.
Peel added: “Gareth has enjoyed an outstanding international career, for Wales and the Lions.
“He has played in three World Cups, won Six Nations titles and a Grand Slam and scored some incredible tries. I have enjoyed working with him and look forward to doing so at the Scarlets.”
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Davies made his Wales debut in 2014 against South Africa and was selected to play in the World Cup the following year, where he scored five tries during the competition, including one against England at Twickenham.
He was also part of the 2019 Six Nations Grand Slam and the 2021 Championship-winning teams and competed in his third World Cup in France last year.
In a statement on social media, Davies said: “I’ve decided that, after ten incredible years playing for Wales, I am retiring from international rugby. It was my childhood dream to represent my country and I have loved every moment in a Wales jersey.
“From winning my first cap on the summer tour back in 2014, to playing in three Rugby World Cups, winning a Six Nations championship and a Grand Slam… it really has been special.
“Thank you to my family, my wife Katy, my friends and all the fans for their support over the past decade.
“It’s been an honour to represent Wales and with this exciting young group of players coming through I feel now is the right time for me to step away from international rugby.”
“I still have a lot to give to the game and I’m looking forward to the last few years of my club rugby career. Diolch.”
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Wales head coach Gatland said: “Gareth has been a great player for Wales over the last decade and he has always given everything in the red jersey.
“There have been some really memorable moments, like his tries against England in the World Cup in 2015 and against Australia in the 2019 and 2023 World Cups. He and his family can be very proud of his international achievements.”
I know he still has a lot to give rugby and look forward to continuing to watch him play at club level.”
Last weekend Davies scored two tries as Scarlets won at Cardiff in the United Rugby Championship.
He helped the Scarlets win the current competition’s Pro12 predecessor in 2017 with a win against Munster in Dublin.
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