Biggar exit offers Davies’ chance to state his claim
SAM Davies is confident he can emerge from Dan Biggar’s shadow and lead the Ospreys back to the top.
Rewind the clock 12 months and the former World Rugby Junior Player of the Year was seen by many as Biggar’s long-term successor in the Wales number 10 shirt.
But after a disappointing season – which saw the 23year-old lose his spot in Warren Gatland’s squad – Davies is confident he can force his way back into the reckoning.
“With Dan leaving to join Northampton it’s time to step out of the shadows and take my own path,” he told The Rugby Paper.
“The number 10 jersey in Wales has always been a contentious position and there is a lot of quality competition with the likes of Biggar, right, Rhys Patchell and Gareth Anscombe. But my main priority is playing well for the Ospreys and getting back to the form of last season.
“If I can get that form back then I’d like to think that I could sneak my way back into the Wales squad. I definitely think I can play for Wales again and that’s my long-term goal.”
The Ospreys have traditionally been Wales’ strongest region but have now fallen behind two of their regional rivals and have dropped out of the Champions Cup.
But Davies is confident he can fire Allen Clarke’s side back to the top of the pile over the coming seasons.
He said: “The Ospreys have traditionally been Wales’ strongest region and it’s really hurt us all losing that tag.
“Our target is to get back to being Wales’ number one region. With the likes of George North and Scott Williams coming on board next season we can kick on. “It’s going to be tough but if we can get a run of games together I am confident in the players and the coaches we will have next season that we can be the number one region.”