**Sam Davies Issues Heartfelt Message After Promotion Agony for Grenoble**
Welsh rugby star Sam Davies has reached out to Grenoble fans following another agonising disappointment in the French leagues, marking the third consecutive year the club has missed promotion to the prestigious Top 14. The 31-year-old fly-half, who collected eight caps for Wales, shared his frustration and emotional pain in a candid post on social media, capping off an otherwise impressive individual season.
Davies has enjoyed a revitalised period in his career since heading to France in 2023, quickly becoming a driving force for Grenoble in the Pro D2. His orchestration on the pitch saw the club top the league during the regular season, raising hopes that this might finally be the year they broke free from the cycle of near-misses. Grenoble’s march through the playoffs, however, saw them pitted in the final against Montauban, opponents few expected to topple the table-toppers.
Despite their strong form, Grenoble stumbled in that crucial clash, losing to Montauban in a stunning upset. That defeat, while disheartening, was not the end: they still had one final shot in the Top 14 Access Match, where promotion would be settled in a winner-takes-all contest against Perpignan. Perpignan, who finished near the bottom of the Top 14, arrived desperate to retain their elite status.
In a tense and low-scoring tie, Grenoble battled bravely but were narrowly edged out, 13-11, condemning the side to another season in the second division. Early in the match, Davies suffered a dislocated shoulder and was forced off the pitch—a blow that captured the physical and emotional toll of the occasion. Despite the significant injury, Davies showed remarkable determination by returning to play, doing his utmost to inspire a turnaround, but ultimately falling short against resolute opposition.
After the final whistle, Davies initially admitted to being at a complete loss for words. In the days that followed, he turned to Instagram to share a poignant message, confirming both the timing and extent of his injury: “The pain never stops, but the motivation grows,” he wrote. Davies also thanked Grenoble’s fans for their unwavering support and assured them, “we will be back stronger.”
Reflecting on his decision to re-enter the pitch despite a dislocated shoulder, Davies acknowledged the gamble and the agony: “After dislocating my shoulder four minutes into the final, it was difficult to play through the pain, but I would do it again and again for this team.” The accompanying video he shared documented the moment the injury occurred, demonstrating just how early misfortune struck on such an important day.
Since moving from Wales to France last summer, the ex-Ospreys and Dragons man has spoken openly about rediscovering his passion for the game. In an interview with RugbyPass, Davies remarked, “I wouldn’t go as far as to say I’ve been reborn, but I found the spark again.” He cited a climate of trust and support at Grenoble, contrasting with a more critical atmosphere he sometimes experienced in Welsh rugby. “Here, I can make mistakes without being immediately called out. Grenoble let me follow my instincts,” he explained, highlighting a coaching culture focused on positives rather than negatives.
Despite the heartbreak of another failed promotion bid, Davies’ message to supporters is one of hope and resilience. As Grenoble re-groups for another assault on the Top 14, their inspirational playmaker has vowed to persevere, encouraged by the backing of fans and the sense of belonging he has found since his relocation.
For Davies, the season’s end is not just a story of disappointment, but of renewed motivation. As the dust settles on another dramatic year in French rugby, all eyes will be on Grenoble to see if this latest setback can finally be the catalyst for long-awaited success.