**Welsh Rugby Star Sam Davies Reveals Surgery Scar After Devastating Shoulder Injury**
Welsh international fly-half Sam Davies has shared an update on his recovery after sustaining a severe shoulder injury during a crucial match at the end of the last rugby season. The 31-year-old, currently playing for French outfit Grenoble, has taken to social media to unveil a dramatic post-surgery scar, offering fans a frank and heartfelt insight into his progress and the emotional journey following a year of heartbreak on the field.
Davies, a former Ospreys and Dragons player, swapped the URC for French rugby in 2023, joining Grenoble and quickly making a significant impact. His performances in the No. 10 shirt throughout the regular season helped Grenoble top the Pro D2 table, raising hopes that the team might finally achieve promotion to the country’s top division. After two consecutive years of falling just short, there was a sense among players and supporters alike that this might be their long-awaited breakthrough.
However, Grenoble’s dreams were dashed yet again in agonising fashion. Despite their regular season dominance, they lost the first play-off final to Montauban, missing out on direct promotion. This forced them into the Top 14 ‘Access Match’—a last-chance decider against Perpignan, who had finished second-bottom in the division above. Hopes were high, but the tie quickly turned into a nightmare for Davies.
Only four minutes into the match, Davies was caught in a controversial high-speed clearout by Perpignan centre Jeronimo de la Fuente, which resulted in a dislocation of the fly-half’s shoulder. The incident, which saw de la Fuente’s head make contact with Davies’ shoulder, sparked debate but saw no disciplinary action from match officials. Determined to support his team, Davies made a brave return to the pitch after receiving medical attention and heavy strapping, though it was evident that his movement had been compromised by the injury.
Despite his best efforts, Davies was unable to inspire a turnaround. Grenoble fell to a narrow 13-11 defeat, condemning the side to yet another season in France’s second tier. The frustration was palpable—not only had the team’s promotion dream slipped away in the tightest of circumstances, but Davies’ personal season had ended in pain and disappointment.
Davies has since undergone surgery to repair his damaged shoulder and has used social media as a platform to keep supporters updated on his recovery. Sharing an image of his prominent scar two weeks after his operation, he reflected candidly on his journey so far. “Stitches are out. Range of motion coming back slowly and painfully, but all is positive!” he wrote on Instagram, adding, “Even the tough days are met with a beautiful little daughter and wife to be grateful for! So what more could I want?”
In an optimistic message, he also acknowledged the humility that his situation has brought him, stating: “In reality this is a small operation compared to what some people are going through and have been through. This is a thought I have every single morning.” He further expressed his determination, pledging to return to action by November with a stronger shoulder and a revitalised outlook.
The setback prompted Davies to thank Grenoble’s loyal supporters and to reaffirm his commitment to both his own recovery and the club’s collective goals. “The pain never stops, but the motivation grows. Thank you to our wonderful supporters. I assure you, we will be back stronger,” Davies wrote soon after the defeat.
He admitted the challenge following his early withdrawal in the Access Match had been immense, but underscored his dedication to the team, stating: “It was difficult to play through the pain, but I would do it again and again for this team.”
As Davies continues his rehabilitation, his story has resonated with fans both in France and Wales. His openness in sharing the highs and lows of his recovery has offered a glimpse into the physical and psychological demands facing professional rugby players after a serious injury.
With an eye to returning in the autumn, Sam Davies remains focused on the collective pursuit of promotion and personal redemption on the pitch. His tale is now one of resilience as much as skill, and it is certain to inspire both teammates and supporters in the months to follow.