James has made the right decision, says brother Jon
JONATHAN Davies says his brother, James, has made the right decision in walking away from the game.
All-action flanker James announced last week that he was retiring with immediate effect due to his ongoing battle with concussion symptoms. The 31-year-old had not been seen on a rugby field since he faced Georgia for Wales during the 2020 autumn campaign.
Fortunately, the younger Davies brother says that, presently, he is able to lead a normal life, which hadn’t always been the case during his rehabilitation.
“He’s made the correct decision,” Jonathan said of his brother at a press conference. “Long-term health is the most important thing. It’s the cruel side of rugby, these injuries.
“I’m just glad he’s in a position where he can lead a quality of life. As a family we’re extremely proud of him. It wouldn’t have been an easy decision for him and we’re going to be there for him as best we can.”
The pair have featured in the same Scarlets side since Jonathan returned from Clermont Auvergne in 2016. They both played integral roles in the side which won the Guinness PRO12 in the centre’s first year back at the club. They have also featured in the Wales jersey together, most notably against Fiji at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Jonathan admits that, after the side’s emphatic 35-20 win over Cardiff on Saturday - which was dedicated to James - he was struck by the realisation that his brother would no longer get to experience the highs that come with winning big matches alongside your mates.
He said: “Some of my proudest moments have come on the field with him and I’m going to miss that. I probably had a realisation after the game on Saturday that he won’t be able to experience that. It makes you realise how fortunate we are and that we shouldn’t take these things for granted.
“One thing that we always had for each other was a high standard. We didn’t need to say much but we expected the best. What he had was the ability to turn up on a Saturday and give it his all. He set a standard for us a squad and we need to hold ourselves accountable to that standard. He was a big part of this squad.”
James’ next moves are currently not publicly known, however in recent times he has set up his own business. Inspired by his love for his dog Desmond, the business - My Cubby Case - is a pet travel case specifically designed to transport everything you need to look after your pet when away from home. It is pleasing for Jonathan that his brother has something he can fall back on now that his playing days are behind him.
“As a rugby player, to have something to fall back on is important. He might not look it but he’s a smart little cookie - he might not act it, either! But he’s pretty switched on. I’m sure, just like his rugby career, whatever he puts his mind to he’ll be a huge success at.
“The Cubby store he has, hopefully he can put more effort into that, grow it over the coming months and years. And hopefully he becomes a millionaire and I can live off his back!”
Commenting on the situation, Scarlets boss Dwayne Peel admitted that Davies’ absence would leave a hole in the organisation. He said: “Yeah it will [leave a big hole in the region], I’m sure it will. I didn’t really know James before coming here this season, by the time I left here, he wasn’t here as a player.
“My experience of him in the last 10 or 12 months, he’s been fantastic for the group and I can see why people hold him in high regard here. Even at times when he’s been training with us and in meetings, he’s been excellent. He’s got a very astute rugby brain.
“He’ll be a big loss, there is no doubt. The character he has is excellent. I was fortunate enough to play with a lot of characters here and he’d be right up there as well, which is important in any group.
”He’s obviously a fun guy but it’s also character in terms of strength and will as well.”
Jonathan Davies skippers the Scarlets side in Cardiff today (3.10pm), with Liam Williams – who is Arms Park bound at the end of the season – included on the wing and Sam Costelow at fly-half. Cardiff Rugby: Matthew Morgan; Owen Lane, Rey Lee-lo, Garyn Smith, Theo Cabango; Jarrod Evans, Lloyd Williams; Rhys Carre, Kirby Myhill, Dmitri Arhip, Seb Davies, Matthew Screech, Shane Lewishughes, Ellis Jenkins, Josh Turnbull (capt). Reps: Liam Belcher, Corey Domachowski, Will Davies-king, Teddy Williams, Will Boyde, Tomos Williams, Rhys Priestland, Aled Summerhill. Scarlets: Johnny Mcnicholl; Tom Rogers, Jonathan Davies (capt), Johnny Williams, Liam Williams; Sam Costelow, Gareth Davies; Steff Thomas, Ryan Elias, Javan Sebastian, Sam Lousi, Jac Price, Aaron Shingler, Dan Davis, Sione Kalamafoni. Reps: Shaun Evans, Wyn Jones, Harri O’connor, Josh Macleod Carwyn Tuipulotu, Kieran Hardy, Angus O’brien, Joe Roberts. Referee: Adam Jones (WRU).