I want to play with my bro in the World CUB
‘Cubby’James vows to impress on Wales tour to team up with brother Jon ‘Foxy’ Davies in Japan
JAMES DAVIES plans to star on Wales’ summer tour, as he dreams of playing at next year’s World Cup alongside brother Jonathan.
The all-action Scarlets flanker is in Warren Gatland’s squad for Saturday’s clash with South Africa in Washington DC and the two Tests with Argentina that follow it.
Davies has been one of the most consistent performers in the Guinness PRO14 for the last two seasons, but only made his senior Wales debut in March’s Six Nations clash with Italy.
It remains the 27-year-old’s only cap to date, one he is looking to add to in the weeks ahead. The World Cup in Japan in 2019 remains the ultimate aim.
Featuring in the same team as centre ace Jonathan – out with injury since November – is also on the bucket list. Davies said: “The World Cup is in the back of everyone’s mind. If it comes, then brilliant, and I want it as bad as anyone.
“Sam Warburton will be coming back, Josh Navidi is in the picture, and it is just about me playing my game and doing well with the Scarlets.
“By then, if I get my chance, and have a couple of good games, I might be able to play for Wales with my brother. If that were to happen, it would be a great day for the family.
“It would be fantastic to play alongside him for Wales. But if that won’t come, then at least we’ve played together at the Scarlets, and enjoyed some great days. Long may that continue.”
Davies, known as ‘Cubby’ to Jonathan’s ‘Foxy’ – the pair were raised in a pub called the Fox and Hounds – faces intense competition for a place in Wales’ 31-man World Cup squad. Gatland is blessed with openside options, namely dual British & Irish Lions skipper Warburton, the currently injured Navidi, Justin Tipuric and Ellis Jenkins, Wales co-captain this summer.
“There is no doubt I could have been born in an easier era in which to play in the back-row for Wales,” said Davies. “There is a lot of talent, but that’s just the way it is.”
Davies and the rest of his 11 Scarlets team-mates in the Wales squad made a late dash to America on Sunday after their PRO14 final defeat to Leinster.
Most of those players will be rested against South Africa. For Davies it’s a chance to put down a marker. A holiday can wait, for now.
“Last year I was able to go away for three weeks. It is going to be a different summer this year,” Davies added.
“It is a long season, but I will get the same time off as everyone else in the end.”