Wales international Sam Davies’ time with the Dragons appears to be reaching an end.
The eight-cap fly-half hasn’t started as many games as he would have wanted this term with the east Wales club trying to bring through Will Reed and having signed JJ Hanrahan on a long-term deal with Angus O’Brien also able to cover No. 10.
With Davies out of contract this summer, a move away from Rodney Parade seems increasingly likely for the former world junior player of the year.
A player who has amassed 1,400 points since debuting for the Ospreys in 2012, he has begun just six games for the Dragons in 2022-23, despite shining in starts against the Bulls, Zebre and the Ospreys.
At 29, he feels he still has plenty to offer.
He is understood to have spoken with the Dragons and is now considering what life beyond the club might look like, although he hasn’t committed to anyone.
His probable departure comes at a time of belt-tightening across the board in Welsh rugby with all the professional sides having to compress their squads.
Davies has scored 557 points for the Dragons in 70 games since joining in 2019, a tally that follows on from 836 points in exactly 150 outings for the Ospreys and 24 during his appearances for Wales.
A player who was once pushing Dan Biggar for the Wales fly-half spot and being touted as a potential Lions tourist later shouldn’t be short of would-be suitors, with Davies having a renowned kicking game and being an accomplished controller of play.
Bath were on his trail last season but the move fell down with the English club unable to agree release terms with the Dragons.
Cardiff might be an option depending on their financial circumstances, with Jarrod Evans leaving and Rhys Priestland on the record as saying he couldn’t see himself “carrying on here post this year”.
Ospreys have Jack Walsh on their books, while Owen Williams is reportedly edging towards staying and there’s uncertainty surrounding Gareth Anscombe.
A move to French rugby might also be a possibility.
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