Wales legend Jonathan Davies open to ‘another opportunity’ after Scarlets exit
Scarlets-centre-Jonathan-Davies
Legendary Wales and Scarlets centre Jonathan Davies has confirmed his departure from the Welsh side at the end of the season.
Davies will play his final home game for Scarlets this weekend in the URC against Ulster before departing the side he has represented for 16 seasons over two spells at the club.
Jonathan Davies confims his depature
The 36-year-old is eager to extend his playing career beyond the current season despite not getting a contract extension with his beloved Scarlets.
“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,” Davies said in a Sarlets’ statement.
“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.”
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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. When you get older there is an appreciation of the effort that people – coaches, team-mates, staff – have put into your career. The supporters here have been amazing from day one as well.”
The club and country favourite affectionately known as ‘Foxy’ has enjoyed a fantastic career to date since making his debut for Scarlets against Northampton Saints as an 18-year-old in 2006.
He has gone on to play 96 Test matches for Wales, winning the Six Nations on four occasions – including two Grand Slams – and featured in two Rugby World Cups (2011 and 2019).
He starred for the British and Irish Lions in the 2013 tour to Australia and the 2017 tour to New Zealand, the latter of which he was voted player of the series by his Lions team-mates.
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An example to any young player
Scarlets boss Dwayne Peel paid tribute to the departing star.
“I played in the same game as Foxy’s debut, there was a lot of talk of this kid from Bancyfelin coming through and when he turned up he was more developed than some of the senior boys! He was strong and fast and you could see straight away he was something special,” he said.
“He was always destined for big things, but he has also worked tirelessly on his game to become the best No. 13 in the world and is an example to any young player who aspires to make it as a professional.
“I am sure the next few weeks will be an emotional time for him, saying his farewells. He has been a big part of this club for a long time.”