The double-header at Eirias will see him taking charge of the RGC 1404 team for their SWALEC Championship fixture against Narberth before he heads to the commentary booth to give his expert comments on the Wales Under 20 clash with England.
Davies is a man who knows the game inside out from top to bottom. A multi-title winner during his playing days at Llanelli, he won 46 caps for Wales and helped them finish third at the inaugural Rugby World Cup and capture the Five Nations title in 1994.
After that he turned into a highly successful and respected coach, starting at Leeds Tykes and moving on to Scarlets, Wales Under 20, Worcester Warriors and Cardiff Blues. Now he is giving RGC1404 the benefit of his considerable experience – and loving it!
“There is so much raw enthusiasm here in north Wales that you can’t be anything other than impressed by what is going on here. There are fantastic facilities, some fabulous players and a real drive and desire to grow this rugby region,” said Davies.
“The strength in depth is improving and the skill levels of all the players are also getting better. That is down to the sheer hard work they are all putting in.
“We’ve had a good run in the Championship and the SWALEC Cup win at Neath was a real bonus. The impact of that result has been incredible and everyone in the north can’t wait for the next round clash at home against Cross Keys.
“That is going to be a huge test for exactly how far this team has come because Cross Keys have been one of the most consistent teams in the Principality Premiership in recent years. They also have a great Cup pedigree, having reached the SWALEC Cup and British & Irish Cup finals.”
While keeping RGC1404 in the hunt for a top three finish in the SSE SWALEC Championship will be his main priority, Davies also has a close affinity with the Wales Under 20 group having been the national coach at that age level in 2009 and 2010.
“The Under 20s have made their home in north Wales in recent years and the reaction from the fans in this part of the world has been amazing. They have adopted the team, shown their passion for the game and given the players their full backing,” said Davies.
“There is a real buzz up in these parts ahead of the two Under 20 internationals and it is great that top class rugby has been played at Eirias Stadium on such a consistent basis. The WRU move to try to breathe new life into rugby in north Wales has been a very good one.
“Almost half the Welsh population lives up here, the facilities are first-class and there is a real hunger for the game. We are producing some good players and there is a huge desire to do more, which can only be good for Welsh rugby as a whole.”
RGC play Narberth at 4pm on Saturday ahead of Wales Under 20 v England at 7.30pm.
Tickets for the bumper day of rugby are available up to kick off on match day from the Parc Eirias Box Office located behind the South Stand from 2pm. Access via Abergele Road.
Tickets, which allow entry for both games, are £15 in the stand, £10 for adults and £5 for under 16s in the terrace.
