James Davies says about his retirement: “At the moment, I am able to lead a normal life – something I wasn’t able to do for a long time after the knock I had. Any bang to the head in training or in a game and I could go back to the start of all this, which is unthinkable for me”
Last Updated: 01/04/22 8:09pm
James Davies won 11 caps for Wales, scoring one try
Wales and Scarlets flanker James Davies has been forced to retire following a long battle with concussion.
The 31-year-old, known as ‘Cubby’, has not featured since winning his 11th cap for Wales against Georgia in October 2020 and has called time on his career following medical advice.Davies – who was part of Wales’ World Cup squad in 2019 – said: “I’ve enjoyed every minute of my career here at the Scarlets and made some amazing friends along the way. “But after speaking to specialists it’s pretty clear I can’t go on playing rugby.Davies: Support has been incredible”At the moment, thankfully, I am able to lead a normal life – something I wasn’t able to do for a long time after the knock I had.”Any bang to the head in training or in a game and I could go back to the start of all this, which is unthinkable for me.”It has been a tough couple of years, but the support I have had from my family, friends, team-mates, coaches and the club has been incredible and I am hugely grateful for that.” Davies made his Wales debut against Italy in 2018 and scored one try for his country, against Argentina.The Carmarthen-born player also won a silver medal with Team GB in the rugby sevens at the 2016 Olympics Games in Rio de Janeiro.Pivac: Davies’ enthusiasm second to noneWales coach Wayne Pivac lauded Davies as “one of the game’s genuine characters”.Pivac said: “It’s very …