DAVIES GOING FROM SELLING A DUMMY TO SELLING HOUSES

THERE have been few better servants to Welsh rugby across the past decade than Gareth Davies.

- STEFFAN THOMAS

The 77-cap former Wales star played a pivotal role in Welsh rugby's successes in the latter part of the first Warren Gatland era.

Who can forget his sensational try against England at Twickenham which knocked Stuart Lancaster's side out of their own World Cup? Or his crucial interception try which went a long way to knocking over the Wallabies in Tokyo four years later?

“When I look back at my career there are a few moments which stand out,” he said.

“The first is winning my first cap in South Africa in 2014 which was a special day for myself and my family.

“The second one would be scoring that important try against England in 2015 to knock them out of their own World Cup.

“There was also winning the Six Nations Grand Slam in 2019 and reaching a semi-final in the World Cup.

“Scoring that interception try against Australia was great as well.

“I played against some great players and I'd have to say Faf de Klerk was the toughest opponent I faced.

“I played against him a few times and he was a tough guy to play against because he was everywhere defensively.

“He had a free role to do what he wanted and I think his role was to close me down at every ruck.

“A lot of scrum-halves would defend on the wide edges or short side but I found Faf was shadowing me at every ruck I went to.

“He'd be trying to scrag me and I always found him difficult to play against.

“I’m also privileged to have played with some great players and if I had to pick one I'd say Liam Williams in his prime was the best I’ve played with.

“When he was in his prime he was a hell of a player and would never have a bad game.

“He would always give 100 per cent and have something magical up his sleeve.”

It’s safe to say Davies’ rugby career has been a resounding success, but the 34-year-old has been just as successful off the field.