PIVAC SALUTES CUBBY’S CAREER
WAYNE Pivac led the tributes to James Davies after the Scarlets flanker announced his retirement from rugby.
The 31-year-old has called time on his career with immediate effect following a long-term battle with concussion.
Davies’s last appearance was when winning his 11th Wales cap against Georgia at Parc y Scarlets in October 2020.
The 31-year-old was part of Wales’s 2019 World Cup squad and also helped Team GB win Olympic silver in the sevens competition at Rio 2016.
Wales head coach Pivac said: “It’s very sad to hear about James’s retirement.
“I was fortunate enough to coach him at club and international level and not only is he a good player but he’s a great person.
“His enthusiasm and sense of humour are second to none and he’s one of the game’s genuine characters.
“I wish him all the best for whatever comes next and know that whatever he turns his hand to, he will make a success.”
Cubby, as he’s known to one and all in rugby, said: “I’ve enjoyed every minute of my career here at the Scarlets and made some amazing friends along the way, but after speaking to specialists it’s pretty clear I can’t go on playing rugby.
“At the moment, thankfully, I am able to lead a normal life, something I wasn’t able to do for a long time after the knock I had.
“Any bang to the head in training or in a game and I could go back to the start of all this, which is unthinkable for me.
“It has been a tough couple of years, but the support I have had from my family, friends, team-mates, coaches and the club has been incredible and I am hugely grateful for that.”
Davies will be remembered for his exuberant personality off the pitch but also for his quality on the field. With his freakish ability to win turnovers, handling skills honed on the World Sevens circuit and his selfless support play, he was an outstanding openside who proved integral to the Scarlets’ silverware success of five years ago.
He made his regional debut in an LV=Cup game against the Dragons in 2013, going on to make 101 Scarlets appearances.
A particular high saw him deliver a try-scoring display in the Scarlets’ PRO12 title-winning triumph over Munster in Dublin in 2017 and a week earlier in the same city, he picked up one of his numerous man-of-thematch awards after slotting in on the wing – following the sending-off of Steff Evans – to help the Scarlets become the first side to win an away semi-final in the competition.
“I have some amazing memories in a Scarlets shirt,” he added. “Obviously those two weekends in Dublin, La Rochelle at home, when I also had to play on the wing, Toulon at home in Europe, Bath away, beating Munster at Thomond Park that year – they all stand out.
“But I will remember the boys and the stuff off the field just as much. There are team-mates, some who have come and gone from the Scarlets, who I consider lifelong friends. I will miss all that banter.
“I’d like to also thank the fans for all their support throughout my time. Hearing them chant my name motivated me every day to get myself back on that pitch to play.”
Davies won his first Wales cap against Italy in 2018 and delivered successive man-of-the-match performances on the tour of Argentina that year.
Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel said: “Cubby has been a great Scarlet, a phenomenal player who gave everything for the shirt and a huge character around the group.
“Even when not playing, he has been enthusiastic and fantastic around the squad.
“He loves the club and loves everything about the place and just wants to help the side improve in whatever way he can.
“We have all seen how hard he has worked to try to get back on the field. It has been tough for him because you know how much he has missed playing, but a person’s health always has to come first.
“I’m sure Cub will continue to have a big impact on rugby – the game needs his knowledge and foresight. We all wish him well with what comes next.”