FOXY’S FOCUS ALL ON WALES THIS SUMMER
SKIPPER’S PLEDGE:
JONATHAN Davies is fully focused on getting Wales ready for the summer internationals – not a potential late call-up to face South Africa.
The Scarlets centre was a surprise omission from Warren Gatland’s Lions squad despite being voted player of the series by his team-mates in New Zealand four years ago.
Wales head coach Wayne Pivac helped soften the blow by giving Davies the captaincy – in the absence of regular skipper Alun Wyn Jones – for the Tests with Canada and Argentina next month.
A number of players have already seen anguish turn to joy after injuries meant they were added to the Lions squad, but that is not on the agenda of the 33-year-old from Bancyfelin.
“Whatever happens, if there are injuries or not, my focus is with Wales,” Davies said from a training camp in North Wales.
“I want to make sure I give the best account of myself in the Welsh jersey in upcoming weeks.
“Whatever happens past that is out of my control.
“All I am focusing on is what I can control.
“Obviously I was disappointed not to be involved. The Lions has been probably one of the highlights of my career and the opportunity to go on a third tour would have been lovely, but that is not to be.
“My focus changes now to make sure I am doing everything I can to prepare myself and the group for the upcoming summer series.”
A number of uncapped players have been named in Pivac’s squad, while there is a sizeable Welsh contingent away with the Lions.
That puts added onus on the role of Davies.
But he added: “It is a huge honour to represent your country and to be asked to captain it is another honour as well.
“I have done it once before but to have added responsibility for this whole campaign is extremely exciting.
“I am really looking forward to it all and enjoying that bit more responsibility in and around the group.
“It will be a demanding three or four weeks in camp but we want to be tested and we want to keep growing for the World Cup in 2023.
“That has been a clear message from Wayne, he wants to see us get uncomfortable and see how we react so the games will be exciting.”
Another boost for Wales is 8,200 fans will be present inside the Principality Stadium for each Test this summer, starting with Canada’s visit on Saturday and the double-headers with Argentina later in the month.
“It is exciting to have the fans back,” added Davies.
“I am sure that eight thousand will make plenty of noise and it will be good to hear.
“To see people come back to watch rugby is great. It is an opportunity for boys to experience a bit of atmosphere in the stadium because some haven’t had that as they have been capped during Covid times.
“It is an opportunity for everyone to get that buzz back in the stadium.”