Lock Joe Davies reflects on life-changing career at Dragons

South Wales Argus

2 days ago

The 29-year-old from Caldicot is currently on the hunt for a new challenge after the end of his time with the Rodney Parade club.
Davies made 137 appearances for the Dragons yet it was one occasion that he didn't make the 23-man squad that proved to be so important.
The lock was part of Lyn Jones' travelling party in Galway, getting some experience of an away game after playing in the Anglo-Welsh Cup the previous season.
Rynard Landman and Andrew Coombs started with Ian Gough on the bench, yet Davies clearly made an impression on his now-wife Katie.
'I was travelling reserve in Galway. I sat on the bench by the little dog track and she was stood behind us,' said the father of two boys.
'We met after that, so the Dragons has given me plenty! I've got a lot to be grateful for.'
PROMISING: A young Joe Davies climbs high at the lineout for Bedwas at Cross Keys
Davies made his debut as a starter at Parc y Scarlets in the Anglo-Welsh Cup in 2013 when he partnered Adam Jones in the second row and was replaced by Robert Sidoli.
He was a 17-year-old Newport High School student when he ran out onto the field in Llanelli and ended it as a stalwart in an inexperienced side against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.
'It all sunk in after the game,' he said. 'I was fine before the game and during it but then I came off the pitch and couldn't look anyone in the eyes. I was in bits.
'I wouldn't say that I am an emotional man when it comes to rugby but in that moment I just couldn't hold it together.
'I've had 12 years playing professional rugby so far. To do what you love for a job, playing day in and day out with your mates, is a dream.'
TOUGH: Joe Davies carries hard for the Dragons against Munster (Image: Gareth Everett)
Davies is trying to stay in rugby and perspective employers would be spoilt for choice if in need of a reference from Dragons coaches and teammates.
The lock is the first to admit that he's not one for the glitz and glamour but his strengths are appreciated by his former colleagues, who did their best to avoid his big shots in training.
'I've never been one for the spotlight,' said Davies. 'I always liked doing the dog work – someone has got to do it.
'I am happy when doing the stuff that might not be seen by some people, but coaches and teammates know that you are doing your job.'
That work ethic and team spirit led to Davies putting his body on the line until the bitter end, even when he knew that a new contract was not on its way.
The no-nonsense forward has endured some tough times with the Dragons but also highs.
'There was the Judgement Day win against the Scarlets in 2019 when my missus was pregnant, my 50th game and the 100th that my boys could be at… and my one and only try against Oyonnax!'
Joe Davies finishes off James Benjamin's tackle for the Dragons against the Ospreys (Image: Ben Evans/Huw Evans Agency)
A TRIBUTE TO 'BIG JOE' BY A PLAYER WHO KNOWS HIM BEST
Dragons hooker James Benjamin was invited to introduce Davies to the stage when the lock was presented with a framed jersey at the end of season awards.
Here is what he said about his now former teammate…
'I'm very honoured to be asked to say a few words about a player who I came through the academy with, played many games with at Bedwas, Wales Under-20s and, of course, the Dragons and sat next to in our changing rooms for over 11 years.
'For someone who is fuelled on eight double espressos before 11am every morning, you'd never think that he is actually a really calm, quiet and laidback kind of guy.
'He's famous in rugby circles for being Canterbury's only surviving sponsored athlete… unfortunately many of us in the forwards units have fallen foul to his Canterbury boots!
'I'm also proud to say that I've never been tackled by Joe in training – I spent the last 15 years making sure that I was never stood opposite him in a tackling drill or live sessions because I've seen the damage he can do to players when they decide to run into him.
'Joe has carved himself a niche in being top quality in the dark arts and the more industrial parts of the game. His physicality and dominance at set piece has been a huge asset to the club and every time he played in a Dragons pack his presence was felt by all.
CELEBRATION: Joe Davies crashed over for the Dragons against Oyonnax (Image: Gruffydd Thomas/Huw Evans Agency)
'A real fond memory was watching Joe get his first try in a Dragons shirt. It had been a running joke for many years and we even talked about if an opportunity arose in a game that someone was over the try line, they should try and find Big Joe with a pass so that he could score.
'Inevitably his head would be deep in some ruck or maul somewhere and that's why it took over 100 appearances to get it.
'It was a great moment and the reaction from all the players on the field and in the stands was testament to Joe.
'I've seen first hand all the hard work he has put in on his game over years, especially in your formative years.
'You are a Dragons stalwart, great player, great bloke and great friend - 137 appearances and one very special try.'