A tribute to Jonathan Davies – One of Wales’ best ever

By Peter Ryan – @PeterRyanSports

Wales said goodbye to another legend recently Jonathan Davies’ professional rugby career is over.

It has been a storied rugby journey for the 36-year-old, and he has built an incredible legacy.

He will be in the conversation when thinking about the all-time greats of the Welsh generation. Davies has achieved many fantastic things for both club and country.

Many Welsh players have walked away from the game recently. It is the end of an era, as many teams that achieved great success no longer wear the famous red jersey.

Davies was a phenomenal talent who has left his mark on the game.

Jonathan Davies

Jonathan Davies is a player of unparalleled versatility. His skills were not confined to a single aspect of the game but spread across the field.

Defensively, Davies was solid as a rock, his work often unnoticed. His out-of-hand kicking was a weapon that got Wales out of trouble many times.

If the first receiver was unavailable, you could always rely on Davies’ trusty left boot to relieve pressure on the team.

Not only was Davies formidable in defence, but he had a natural nose for the try line. The centre scored many mesmerising tries for both club and country.

Davies played in countless high-profile matches and gained a seismic amount of experience from those encounters.

Davies had to overcome a lot during his career, including missing the 2015 World Cup, to bounce back, which shows how mentally strong he is.

Looking at Davies’ attributes, it’s no surprise he had such a long and prosperous career.

His Career

From early on, Davies’ rugby talent was evident as he was part of the Wales under-18 and under-20 set-ups.

This foreshadowed the success Davies would relish at the senior level. In 2006, he made his debut for the Scarlets, where he would enjoy two stints at the West Walian club.

Davies was an essential part of the Scarlets throughout his time with Llanelli. Of course, he did have a brief time away from Wales when Clermont Auvergne sought his services.

During Wayne Pivac’s time with the Scarlets, the team looked unstoppable. Davies was part of the side that won the Pro 12.

On the international scene, Davies delivered many sensational performances in a Wales shirt.

He amassed over 96 caps, which demonstrates his longevity. The 36-year-old scored numerous seismic tries throughout a storied career, with his scores against New Zealand and Ireland springing to mind.

His influence on Wales was massive during a period when Wales looked lethal.

However, it wasn’t just Wales where he made an impact; Davies played sensational games for the British & Irish Lions.

The 2017 Welsh Personality of the Year will go down as one of the game’s best players, and his presence won’t go unnoticed.

Ranking Amongst the Greats

There have been many epic centres in the Welsh game. You could argue that Davies is the best Welsh centre to have played the game.

However, Jamie Roberts, who partnered Davies 48 times for Wales, has carved a brilliant legacy for himself, having achieved it all.

Looking further into the past, you can find electrifying players like Scott Gibbs, Jack Matthews, and Bleddyn Williams, who would also claim the title.

Davies’ performances and the fact that he excelled for such a long time make it hard to deny him as one of the best performers to have played the game.

It is always poignant when a player of Davies’ calibre bids farewell to the game.

His departure leaves a void in the rugby world, a testament to his impact. He has left an incredible legacy, one that will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.

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