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South Wales Argus
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Lock Joe Davies reflects on life-changing career at Dragons
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.'
Wales Online
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Tonight's rugby news as new Anglo-Welsh competition talks held and coach backs Lions bolter
Tonight's rugby news as new Anglo-Welsh competition talks held and coach backs Lions bolter The latest rugby news from Wales and beyond Scarlets full-back Blair Murray has been touted as a potential British and Irish Lions bolter. (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd ) Your rugby evening headlines on Tuesday, May 6. Peel backs Murray Lions talk Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel has backed full-back Blair Murray for a shock place on the British and Irish Lions tour when the squad is announced on Thursday. Murray has been tipped as a possible bolter by a number of pundits now, with Peel admitting it would be some achievement for the New Zealand-born star after just one season in northern hemisphere rugby. The 23-year-old has played down his chances himself, but a superb Six Nations and strong recent performances at regional level mean he is in with a genuine shout when Andy Farrell reveals all. "He couldn't have done much more," said Peel. "He offers a bit of flexibility in terms of playing wing and full-back and he has played a bit at 10, although not that much for us there. Article continues below "Who knows what Andy and the coaches are thinking, but from my perspective it would be amazing. "He stood out in the Welsh team. He was really good in that full-back role and since he's been back, he's been beating men, and I thought he was good last week [in the win against Leinster]." Like the other Welsh teams, the Scarlets will be out in South Africa when the announcement is made ahead of matches against the Lions and Sharks. Peel added: "I'm sure we'll be glued to the TV when we get to Johannesburg," added Peel. "If he's fortunate enough to get in it will be brilliant for himself and also brilliant for us as close friends of his, and also the region." Anglo-Welsh Cup talks Welsh Rugby Union head of player development & performance pathways John Alder says talks are taking place with the RFU and Championship about a Tier 2 Anglo-Welsh Cup competition - although nothing will be in place before 2026/27. The WRU had previously intimated at the start of Super Rygbi Cymru, which replaced the Welsh Premiership, that cross-border matches with English clubs was on the agenda. Next season will seen England's Championship expanded to 14 teams, with reborn Worcester Warriors and National 1 champions Richmond joining the 12 existing teams. That will help offset the loss of cup fixtures, with the Championship not involved in the Premiership Cup from next season, as could any future Anglo-Welsh fixtures. 'Conversations are still ongoing with the RFU and the Championship clubs; they have picked up again, but obviously we missed a window for this season,' Alder said during a guest appearance on the Super Rugby Cymru podcast. 'What we do want to do next year is make the Cup as interesting and as exciting as possible.' Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here. Ireland star out for five weeks Ireland winger Mack Hansen is out for five weeks through injury. The 27-year-old will miss the remainder of Connacht's regular season in the United Rugby Championship, due to a five-week ankle injury lay-off. It's unlikely Connacht will make the URC play-offs, with the Irish province currently in 14th place, third from bottom, which means he's most likely played the last of his club season. The British and Irish Lions squad is being announced on Thursday, May 8, and Australia-born Hansen is hoping to make the cut, along with a plethora of his Ireland teammates. Hansen's injury shouldn't be a problem, with the first game against Argentina on June 20, which gives him plenty of time to recover from the injury. The winger's teammate Caelan Doris' hopes took a huge blow on Monday after Leinster announced he needs a shoulder operation. Saints signing aiming for England call By PA Sport Staff Callum Chick revealed his ambition to play for England again is behind his decision to move from Newcastle to Northampton at the end of the season. The back rower, who won England caps against the United States and Canada in 2021 and played against the Barbarians the following year, will end a 16-year association with his boyhood club this summer. The 28-year-old has made more than 150 senior appearances and has started in all 15 of Newcastle's Premiership Rugby games this season, but the number eight says he is ready for a fresh challenge. 'I feel the time is right for me to move on,' said Chick, Newcastle's club captain. 'I have aspirations to get more England caps, and in order to do that I feel like I have to experience something new. Article continues below 'Northampton feels like a perfect move for me. I enjoy the brand of rugby, and they have some great coaches and players. 'Moving was a no-brainer and Northampton being that choice was an easy decision. I think that I will fit in well and I am excited to get started. 'The standard at Northampton across the board is great, but in particular the back row has got some fantastic players. 'I am looking forward to learning from them and putting that into my game. Competition for positions brings the best out of everyone, and, for myself, that is something I am looking forward to.'
RNZ News
22-04-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Rugby: England record-holder Youngs to retire at end of season
England halfback Ben Youngs Photo: Photosport Leicester Tigers' 35-year-old former England halfback Ben Youngs, the country's most-capped men's player, will retire at the end of the season, the Premiership club said. Youngs, who became Leicester's youngest Premiership player aged 17 in April 2007, made his 332nd appearance for the club as a substitute in the Easter Sunday win away to Bristol Bears. He retired from international rugby in 2023 after 127 games. Youngs played in four Rugby World Cups and the 2013 British & Irish Lions tour of Australia and won four Six Nations titles. "It's a bittersweet feeling really," he said of his decision to retire after this season. "Obviously, I'm sad at the thought it's coming to an end but I'm excited about the rest of this season, excited about what this group can do. "That's the strange part, I'm using the 'r' word (retirement) but it isn't over today, there is still plenty of rugby left this season and that's what is at the front of my mind. I'm not done, let's not write the obituary just yet." England's Ben Youngs passes the ball near All Blacks Aaron Smith (left) and Owen Franks (right). Photo: AFP Youngs, a five-times Premiership champion and three-times Anglo-Welsh Cup winner, holds the club record for most European appearances with 84, including 78 in the Champions Cup. "I have spent two decades of my life here at the club and I have been lucky to be a part of some incredible moments along the way, enjoyed so much success and made memories that will last a lifetime," he said. "It's all I have known in club rugby, the green, red and white, and all I've wanted to know. The idea of playing against this club wasn't ever an option for me and so for me to be able to finish a one-club player will be one of my greatest achievements. "The time will come to thank everybody who has helped me achieve what I have but that's for when it comes to an end. For now, it's about finishing this chapter of my life with some more success. I'm not done just yet." - Reuters
Straits Times
22-04-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Leicester's England record-holder Youngs to retire at end of season
Leicester Tigers' 35-year-old former England scrumhalf Ben Youngs, the country's most-capped men's player, will retire at the end of the season, the Premiership club said on Tuesday. Youngs, who became Leicester's youngest Premiership player aged 17 in April 2007, made his 332nd appearance for the club as a substitute in the Easter Sunday win away to Bristol Bears. He retired from international rugby in 2023 after 127 games. Youngs played in four Rugby World Cups and the 2013 British & Irish Lions tour of Australia and won four Six Nations titles. "It's a bittersweet feeling really," he said of his decision to retire after this season. "Obviously, I'm sad at the thought it's coming to an end but I'm excited about the rest of this season, excited about what this group can do. "That's the strange part, I'm using the 'r' word (retirement) but it isn't over today, there is still plenty of rugby left this season and that's what is at the front of my mind. I'm not done, let's not write the obituary just yet." Youngs, a five-times Premiership champion and three-times Anglo-Welsh Cup winner, holds the club record for most European appearances with 84, including 78 in the Champions Cup. "I have spent two decades of my life here at the club and I have been lucky to be a part of some incredible moments along the way, enjoyed so much success and made memories that will last a lifetime," he said. "It's all I have known in club rugby, the green, red and white, and all I've wanted to know. The idea of playing against this club wasn't ever an option for me and so for me to be able to finish a one-club player will be one of my greatest achievements. "The time will come to thank everybody who has helped me achieve what I have but that's for when it comes to an end. For now, it's about finishing this chapter of my life with some more success. I'm not done just yet." REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Reuters
22-04-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Leicester's England record-holder Youngs to retire at end of season
April 22 (Reuters) - Leicester Tigers' 35-year-old former England scrumhalf Ben Youngs, the country's most-capped men's player, will retire at the end of the season, the Premiership club said on Tuesday. Youngs, who became Leicester's youngest Premiership player aged 17 in April 2007, made his 332nd appearance for the club as a substitute in the Easter Sunday win away to Bristol Bears. He retired from international rugby in 2023 after 127 games. Youngs played in four Rugby World Cups and the 2013 British & Irish Lions tour of Australia and won four Six Nations titles. "It's a bittersweet feeling really," he said of his decision to retire after this season. "Obviously, I'm sad at the thought it's coming to an end but I'm excited about the rest of this season, excited about what this group can do. "That's the strange part, I'm using the 'r' word (retirement) but it isn't over today, there is still plenty of rugby left this season and that's what is at the front of my mind. I'm not done, let's not write the obituary just yet." Youngs, a five-times Premiership champion and three-times Anglo-Welsh Cup winner, holds the club record for most European appearances with 84, including 78 in the Champions Cup. "I have spent two decades of my life here at the club and I have been lucky to be a part of some incredible moments along the way, enjoyed so much success and made memories that will last a lifetime," he said. "It's all I have known in club rugby, the green, red and white, and all I've wanted to know. The idea of playing against this club wasn't ever an option for me and so for me to be able to finish a one-club player will be one of my greatest achievements. "The time will come to thank everybody who has helped me achieve what I have but that's for when it comes to an end. For now, it's about finishing this chapter of my life with some more success. I'm not done just yet."
