Head coach Lee Jarvis has moved to strengthen his squad to cope with the demands of the top league and Davies joins two other former Cardiff and Wales Under 20 players, wing Elis-Wyn Benham and centre James Whittingham, in switching allegiances to The Wern.
Former Wales Under 20 back row man Ed Siggery, experienced centre Arron Pinches and ex-Llanelli and Wales Sevens wing Kyle Evans have all joined from Moseley. Scrum-half Tom James and hooker Matt Dwyer have signed from Neath and the Ospreys respectively, while former Dragons prop Nathan Buck has also linked up with Jarvis’ side.
“We identified at the end of last season that, going into the Premiership, we’ve got to strengthen the squad,” said Jarvis.
“We are still looking for new signings. There are a few positions we’re looking at in the forwards, just to tighten things up.”
Davies, in particular, will add plenty of high-level experience to the Merthyr squad, having played 77 games for the Blues. He famously scored the winning try for the Blues in their 19-15 victory over European giants Toulon in 2013.
“Gareth is a quality player, he’s got plenty of experience and we’re expecting big things from him. We’ve got a choice now at No 10 because Dean Gunter did extremely well last season in that league and won us some big matches,” added Jarvis.
“There’s got good competition now at outside half with Dean, James and Gareth as well as having Matthew Jarvis also being able to slot in there.”
As well as the new signings, there has also been a change in captaincy, with Craig Locke and James Howe taking over the duties from ex-Wales and British & Irish Lions No 8 Andy Powell.
“Andy was superb last year as a leader and a captain. We have changed the captaincy this year so Andy can concentrate on his game,” said Jarvis.
“But also we’ve got to start looking forward to the future. We’re looking to breed leaders and the two are quality players.
“If one isn’t playing, then the other will be captain. That’s the thought process behind it. They’re both superb players and superb leaders as well.”
