Summer signing Sam Davies believes he has rediscovered his love for the game since his move to Dragons – as he prepares for a potential Guinness PRO14 debut with his new region.
Fly half Davies made the switch to Rodney Parade during the off season and admits any preconceptions about life with the Dragons have been quickly dispelled.
The 25-year-old is relishing a new challenge and is gearing up for a big first game as Dean Ryan’s men face Munster Rugby at Thomond Park on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 3pm).
“I am enjoying my rugby, which I probably haven’t for the last couple of seasons, and that is a key factor for me," said Davies.
“Dropping out of the Wales squad was when I stopped enjoying my rugby, because things weren’t going my way.
“It’s early days because we haven’t played yet and the shots aren’t fired, but from a training point of view it’s been brilliant.
“I’m genuinely enjoying coming into training every day and getting challenged with new things.
“I was probably a bit sceptical of the move because I was going from a so-called bigger team in Wales to a lower team,” he added.
“But, since I arrived, I’ve been extremely impressed with the skill levels, the physicality that we have offered and there is a good squad here.
“Don’t get me wrong, we will get challenged if we get a few injuries but in terms of my perception, now it’s a lot better than it was from the outside.”
Davies has impressed in pre-season and bagged a superb try in the home friendly victory over Scarlets.
However, he has stressed it will be a team effort – and not one individual – that helps Dragons kick on this term.
“We have worked a lot in training with boys around me stepping up,” he said.
“Dean has picked up on that and we are running a game now where it’s not all going through the 10.
“We are running sessions where I am not allowed to talk, we are running sessions where I am not allowed to kick.
“What that does is make players around me think ‘I’ve actually got to help Sam out here’ and that is what has made it enjoyable – I’ve not had everything thrown on my shoulders.
“I know there are a lot of people that say the Dragons have needed a 10, but it’s not just the 10, there are people around that helps him.
"That is what I am getting in training at the Dragons; there are boys that get challenged to help me out, which will benefit me as well. Let’s get everybody doing their jobs that they are good at.”
Watch Sam Davies and the Dragons this season at Rodney Parade. Tickets on sale NOW for the home opener with Connacht and all home league games - click HERE to buy!
It’s early days because we haven’t played yet and the shots aren’t fired, but from a training point of view it’s been brilliant...
