James Davies: Scarlets and Wales flanker forced to retire due to concussion

The last time Davies donned a rugby jersey was for Wales against Georgia at Parc y Scarlets in November 2020 where he earnt his 11th cap.

The player nicknamed “Cubby” is a Scarlets stalwart who debuted in 2013, going on to play 101 games for the Welsh side in which he built a reputation as one of the best flankers in the nation and the league.

“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,” said the 31-year-old Team GB rugby sevens player.

“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.”

“I have some amazing memories in a Scarlets shirt, 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,” he added.

“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, although I’m not sure the boys will!

“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 international cap for Wales in 2018 versus