Former Wales fly-half, Sam Davies, articulates his tumultuous experience during his inaugural season with the French ProD2 club, Grenoble. Departing from the challenges within Welsh rugby, Davies has played a pivotal role in propelling Grenoble towards promotion to the esteemed French Top 14.
Davies disclosed his decision to relocate to France due to the bleak prospects within Welsh rugby, stemming from financial constraints and discussions surrounding the reduction of professional regions.
The fly-half conveyed his exasperation with the obstacles confronted in Welsh rugby, emphasizing the marked contrast in performance between the Ospreys and other regional teams. His transition to Grenoble has proven to be a judicious one, evident in his current standing as the second-highest point scorer in the ProD2.
Despite the initial hurdles encountered at Grenoble, encompassing a point deduction and the departure of the director of rugby, Davies has flourished in this new milieu, unveiling his adept playmaking skills and precise goal-kicking prowess.
Anticipating Grenoble’s pivotal promotion play-off against Montpellier, Davies acknowledged the formidable nature of their adversaries, featuring a constellation of renowned talents, including Billy and Mako Vunipola, Stuart Hogg, Cobus Reinach, George Bridge, Karl Tu’inukafe, and Paul Willemse.
Davies underscored the pressure on Montpellier as they endeavour to cement their standing in the Top 14, recognizing the high stakes involved for the opposing team.
Set to unfold at Grenoble’s Stade des Alpes, the promotion play-off has engendered great anticipation among Davies and his fellow teammates, with aspirations of achieving a triumphant ascension to the elite stratum of French rugby.
As Davies contemplates the peaks and valleys of his season with Grenoble, his odyssey stands as a testimonial to his fortitude and tenacity in confronting adversity. The Welsh fly-half’s transition to French rugby has undeniably breathed new life into his career, affording him a setting in which to flourish and exhibit his talents on the hallowed turf.