**Welsh Fly-Half Sam Davies Shines in France Amid Calls for National Recall**
Former Wales international Sam Davies has caught the eye with his standout performances for French side Grenoble in the PRO D2, prompting calls for his return to national duties. The ex-Ospreys and Dragons fly-half has amassed an impressive 237 points this season, steering Grenoble towards the PRO D2 grand final, where they’ll face Montauban at Toulouse’s Stade Ernest-Wallon.
Despite his undeniable impact in France, Davies, now 31, has not featured in a Welsh squad since 2017, leaving many observers – including prominent figures within the sport – bemused by his omission. His future eligibility for Wales selection remains uncertain due to the so-called ’25-cap rule,’ since he re-signed in France without a firm contract offer from a Welsh club.
Adding weight to calls for his return, Joe Worsley – an England rugby legend currently working as defence coach at Brive – has praised Davies’s form and questioned why he remains overlooked. Worsley remarked that Davies has “been killing it for a couple of years now” and is puzzled by the Welsh selectors’ reluctance to consider him. “From what I’ve observed, he’s definitely of international calibre,” Worsley stated, “but teams must play to his strengths, favouring a quick, less structured style to maximise his unique skillset.”
Davies’s dynamic approach on the field has transformed Grenoble’s attacking options. According to Worsley, the team is far more potent with Davies at fly-half, noting his tactical kicking, defence, and decision-making as standout attributes. “His kicking has been phenomenal, and when he’s orchestrating play, Grenoble pose a constant threat to their opponents,” Worsley added, expressing optimism that Grenoble’s success will see them join the Top 14 next season.
While the French Top 14 remains the pinnacle of professional rugby in France, its second division, PRO D2, serves as a competitive home for several accomplished Welsh players. Alongside Davies, household names such as George North at Provence, Tomas Francis in the front row, and Tyler Morgan at Biarritz showcase the league’s strong Welsh influence. Worsley singles out Davies as having perhaps the biggest rugby impact among this cohort, commending also Ross Moriarty and George North for their contributions, despite injury setbacks.
The growing appeal of French club rugby is situated against the backdrop of difficulties facing the regional game in Wales. With television deals and stadium attendances flourishing in France – and far outstripping those in other European leagues – the PRO D2 has become increasingly attractive to players from overseas. Recently, UK audiences gained access to the league after Tim Cocker launched a dedicated YouTube channel, FR-UK Rugby, broadcasting live PRO D2 matches. The move aims to ignite interest on these shores, aided by collaborations with notable personalities including Worsley himself.
The commercial prospects for French rugby remain robust. The top team budgets in PRO D2 reportedly reach €22 million, a figure comparable with the lower half of England’s Premiership. Regular play-offs and a culture of high-stakes encounters have set the French competitions apart, suggesting lessons for their British counterparts on maintaining audience engagement.
Discussing cultural differences, Worsley highlights the challenge for new recruits adapting to French rugby’s style, which prizes flair and creative play over rigid gameplans. For families, the lifestyle and opportunities in French cities like Aix-en-Provence, home to George North, are often seen as second to none.
With mounting evidence of PRO D2’s professional and personal appeal to Welsh players, speculation is rife that more will make the cross-Channel move in pursuit of rugby and life experiences. As Grenoble prepares for their season-defining fixture, all eyes will be on Sam Davies, whose form may yet force a rethink among Wales selectors and inspire others to follow his path in France.