Davies Pulls Out

By Lestyn (17/07/03)
July 17 2003

Leigh Davies has ruled himself out of contention for a place in Steve Hansen's World Cup squad. The Llanelli centre blames his poor fitness.

Surely it had nothing to do with him not really having a chance of making it onto the plane for Australia anyway? But Davies deserves credit for having the honesty to admit he's simply not fit enough for international rugby.

"I have informed Wales national coach Steve Hansen that I do not wish to be included in the current squad preparing for the Rugby World Cup.

"This is due to my ongoing fitness battle.

"I am currently undergoing specific rehabilitation training with my physio at Llanelli Scarlets and I do not feel as though I am 100% match-fit.

"Against that background, I feel that it is best that I stand down from the current Wales squad, concentrate on regaining full fitness and then hopefully let my form enable me to regain a place in the international set-up.

"I have discussed this matter with both Steve Hansen and my regional coach, Gareth Jenkins, and we are all of the same mind.

"I hope that a fully-fit Leigh Davies will still have something to offer Wales in the future. In the meantime, I will concentrate all my efforts on playing for and captaining Llanelli Scarlets."

It's not that much of a blow when You look at the inside centres we've got anyway. Iestyn Harris is undoubtedly first choice and the likes of Shanklin, Taylor and Parker can fill the role. Davies has a big season ahead if he is to get back in Hansen's (or whoever else is coach) good books.

 

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