James Davies quits professional rugby due to concussion
James Davies has played 11 Tests for Wales
©PA
Wales and Scarlets flanker James Davies has announced his decision to quit professional rugby due to concussion related issues.
Davies has been with Scarlets since 2013 and has racked up 101 appearances for the club since then.
The 31-year-old also was part of the Scarlets side that clinched their maiden Pro12 title in 2017 where he scored a try against Munster in the final. He was also part of the GB Sevens squad that clinched the Silver medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics and also had represented Wales 7s side.
“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,” he told Scarlets' official website.
“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.”
Davies made his international debut for Wales in March 2018 against Italy at Principality Stadium and has featured in 11 Tests with his last appearance coming in November 2020.
He was also part of Wales' Rugby World Cup campaign in 2019.
“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.
“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.”
