Davies back in the running for Wales

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

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.