Poised on a pedestal normally with their backs turned away from an audience and not in the limelight stands a conductor. A role that controls the tempo from fast to slow in a heartbeat and can also be considered a position of skill, respect and leadership.
It’s the same story when it comes to an outside-half in Rugby, their job primarily is to strategically orchestrate an attack which gets through their opponent’s defence. When it’s done properly in full-flow, there’s simply nothing better.
The conductor in this case is Welshmen Sam Davies whose tactically astute decision making guided FC Grenoble Rugby into booking their spot in next week’s Pro D2 Final. Davies’ boot was instrumental as he kicked 18 of Grenoble’s 38 points which put aside Provence Rugby, including George North, 38-17 at a raucous Stade des Alpes.
After moving to France from the Dragons in 2023, the 31-year-old will remain at the French club now until 2028 after signing a new deal. He is one of six Welsh players who have experienced second division French Rugby, and perhaps is one of the most underrated players as well.
The eight-cap Wales international hasn’t had the fair share of credibility of which he deserves as at this current moment you can easily make the argument that he his the best available option for that 10 jersey for Wales.
Underrated, overlooked and ignored are some of the words to describe Davies when it comes to Wales selection. To put it into context, you come across many tolls when driving on the French autoroutes (motorways) and maybe the plaudits of which Davies deserves have taken the more scenic route instead to avoid paying up.
This is maybe why he’s called France home for the last couple of years, where he’s been a key figure for this seasons success for Grenoble and somewhat become a cult hero. In his rearview mirror he’s left behind a nation that is currently on its worst record of losses (17) and is at an all time low when it comes to the World rankings (12th).
Since leaving the Dragons back in 2023, his game has been on an upward trajectory. Last year in 25 appearances he scored 243 points, and just like this season has helped steer Grenoble into another playoff final. Where he hopes this time they can go one better.
So why are some people calling for his inclusion back in the Welsh setup and what is it that strengthens the argument as to why.
In the first half of Thursday evenings match against Provence he slotted a drop goal from around 40 metres at an acute angle and made it look easy.
When he’s unable to work his magic by looking for openings through the opposition defence, he sometimes so calmly steps back into the pocket takes a breath and without hesitation slots the three extra points. This was definitely something that he needed to do because during the early exchanges, Provence’s defence was on point.
Welsh fans may remember back in 2016 when Wales were on the cusp of a brutal result. That day saw Davies employ his get out of jail free card as he slotted a last-minute drop goal to save Wales from embarrassment against Japan.
After making his international debut against Australia in the same Autumn, those three points of which he expertly kicked sealed a 33-30 win in Cardiff.
If you were to ask him his standout memories of his playing days I would be shocked not to see that moment in the top five. He was a hero and proved at the time when needed he was able to pull it out of the bag.
At that time it was tough for Davies as the ten jersey was so hotly contested, and this was maybe the key factor as to why in 2017 against Samoa was his last outing as an international player.
The Catalyst for his International return?
Whilst tearing it up in France, it was reported that Davies was contacted by the Scarlets about a return to Welsh Rugby. And this could’ve been the catalyst which made him an international player again.
With Grenoble now only one game away from the Top 14, Davies would still be unable to play internationally. This is because he falls under the 25-cap threshold, if he had more than 25 he would be fine but because he hasn’t he’s ineligible.
But there is a way around this and Davies also believes it could be the way. Under the Professional Rugby Board’s law on the 25-cap ruling, it states a player can remain eligible for Wales if he is not offered a regional side contract or has been low balled with a new offer.
During this year’s Guinness Six Nations Harlequins’ Jarod Evans was called up to the Welsh squad, after interim head coach Matt Sherratt was given the helm. He was overlooked by both Wayne Pivac and Warren Gatland during his time away. In the two defeats to Ireland and Scotland the 28-year-old came off the bench on both occasions.
And admitted after the Scotland defeat “I never thought I’d be back on the international stage again”. He was allowed back due to not receiving a fair offer from any Welsh club.
Davies also believes that this can be achieved as he spoke on an episode of The Rosbifs Rugby Podcast.
He said: “I think I am allowed really because the rule around whether you get an offer from a region or a fair one is related to the cap rule.
“There’s an argument to say I never got a fair offer and before this contract I’ve just signed a couple of Welsh clubs were trying to talk to me but I didn’t even entertain it so there were no offers.”
Davies will have other thoughts that will be occupying his mind as he enters the biggest week of his season with Grenoble as they prepare for the winner of CA Brive or US Montauban who do battle this evening (Friday) for the second spot in the Pro D2 final.
If successful in their Grand Final outing in Toulouse next weekend, Grenoble could finally make their return to the top flight of French Rugby, surely then Sam Davies cannot be ignored anymore.
Words by Harry Tovey
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