News

Bradley Davies forced to change plans

Thursday 15th May 2008

Shock call: Gatland's selection of Davies came as a big surprise

When you country calls all other plans are dropped, at least that has been the case for Cardiff Blues second row Bradley Davies.

Davies, who has impressed in his limited game time this season, was a surprise selection in Warren Gatland's squad for the two-Test tour to South Africa in June.

Having planned to spend his off-season travelling Europe Davies was due to fly to Amsterdam on Thursday, but has had to cancel his plans and start focusing on an entirely different trip.

"My father lives in Amsterdam and I was going to spend a couple of weeks with him, he told The Western Mail.

"But, after getting selected, I felt it was better to stay at home and do some extra training to get ready before linking up with the squad."

The uncapped 21-year-old admitted he was stunned to be named in Warren Gatland's 27-man party.

"I'm a bit shocked and overwhelmed," he said.

"I had no inkling that I was in with a shout, none at all. I'm just over the moon."

It's understandable that Davies is surprised at his selection as he hadn't been mentioned as a likely tourist, having only just returned from a six-month lay-off.

The Llantrisant product underwent reconstructive surgery on his collarbone in November after a training ground accident.

"I landed awkwardly on my shoulder and felt it crunch," he recalled.

"I knew it was a bad one straight away. It was really frustrating, particularly the first couple of months I was off, but that's life.

"I was lucky to have a great training partner in Rob Sidoli, who had pretty much the same injury. He made sure I never missed a session. He was on the phone to me all the time and offering to pick me up if needed. He helped keep me going through the dark days.

"I just trained really hard with the goal of playing the last few games for the Blues, and, fortunately, I managed to do that."

Having started his comeback as a replacement against Connacht two weeks ago Davies started the Blues' final game of the season against Ulster on Friday.

Now comes the unexpected bonus of a place on the plane to South Africa at the end of this month.

With Grand Slam locks Ian Gough, Alun Wyn Jones and Ian Evans also in the squad, Davies knows he will have his work cut out making the Test squad. But the former Wales U19 skipper - who is an imposing figure at 6ft 6ins and 18st 1lb - intends to make the most of his opportunity.

"I know those boys are tried and tested and played really well in the Six Nations," he said.

"I just want to go and learn off them and add something to the squad. I can't wait to get involved. I'm looking forward to training hard with the boys and putting some pressure on and pushing the other guys.

"Getting this chance makes all the difficult times worthwhile. It's the perfect end to a disappointing season."