DAVIES MAKES DECISION TO LEAVE THE SCARLETS

JONATHAN Davies is to leave the Scarlets at the end of the season.

The legendary centre is moving on at the end of the campaign but says he hopes to continue his playing career elsewhere. The 36-yearold has represented the west Wales region for 16 seasons across two spells, sandwiching two years with French Top 14 side Clermont.

He made his debut back in 2006 as a teenager against Northampton Saints and went on to make 209 appearances in the famous red jersey, helping them to the Guinness PRO12 title in 2017.

He has also earned 96 caps for Wales, skippering the side four times, while he also went on two tours with the British & Irish Lions.

The decision means he has just three games left to play for the Llanelli-based

side.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s final home match against Ulster, Davies said: “I am going to miss this place and this group. Day to day, being around a great bunch of boys and saying you are working you feel very privileged.

“It has been incredible to play for a team I supported when I was a young boy. I have enjoyed every minute and have some wonderful memories, but everything has to come to an end.

“I remember my first day coming into the Academy at Stradey, I remember walking into the changing room for training with the likes, Vernon Cooper, Matthew Rees, Iestyn Thomas, Alix Popham - who were the ‘guvnors’ of the changing room - and putting my bag on the bench and coming in afterwards and it was on the floor; I tried another spot the next day and the same happened! it was a great learning; myself, Ken and my generation were probably the last ones to have experience of that old school environment.”

The player affectionately known as Foxy has a testimonial year planned for the next campaign and hopes to remain playing.

He added: “I would love to see if there is another opportunity to play elsewhere, whether that be abroad or not. I still enjoy coming to train and playing. I am always told you are a long time retired - if you feel you can add to an environment or a team I feel I’d be stupid not to.

“The Scarlets have been a huge part of my life.”