Olympic Sevens comeback still possible for Davies

JAMES Davies says he wouldn’t rule out a Sevens return for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics despite pushing hard for a trip to Japan next month as part of Wales’ World Cup squad.

Scarlets flanker Davies was a member of the Team GB Sevens squad which sealed a silver medal at the Rio Games four years ago and he has been open about that being the best moment of his career.

Since then the 28-year-old has become a regular in the 15-a-side game with the Scarlets and has won four senior Wales caps.

“I’d love to, but I have not thought about it yet. My back has been an issue,” Davies, right, told TRP, when asked if Tokyo next summer was part of his plans.

“It is tough going back to Sevens because you have to change your fitness and your weight has to come off. It was tough coming back to XV’s and it changing differently with mauling and rucking.

“But at the end of the day it’s the Olympics. If whoever’s coaching gives me a call, I’ll seriously consider it but it is a while away.”

Davies’ all-action skillset makes him a fine Sevens player and he was a regular with Wales on the World Series circuit before joining the Scarlets full time.

He started Wales’ World Cup warm-up victory over England, but was forced off with concussion in the first half and has spent the last week training in Turkey with Warren Gatland’s squad.

Davies is set to be given a final chance to make the World Cup by appearing in Saturday’s clash with Ireland in Cardiff.

Gatland will confirm his final 31-man party the following day.

One man who will definitely be going to Japan next month is England’s Ruaridh McConnochie who was a Team GB colleague of Davies in Brazil.

Davies believes the Bath man will have a big impact in Eddie Jones’ side. “When I started with GB I didn’t know much about Ruaridh because he hadn’t played for long. I just remember how impressed I was by him in training,” he said. “Everything he did was a step above everyone else. He didn’t initially get picked for the squad because they went for a bit more experience, but injuries happen and he ended up being selected.

“I remember ringing Rhys Priestland when Bath signed him. I told Rhys Ruaridh would be a class signing and really good for the club.

“It turns out he has been unbelievable and he fully deserves his chance. I call him Rodney because he looks like Rodney Trotter! I keep in touch with a lot of the GB boys.

“When you have a moment like that as a team you bond so well and make friends for life.”