The scavenging Scarlets flanker jetted out to join the rest of Warren Gatland’s squad for Saturday’s clash with South Africa in Washington DC and the two Tests with Argentina after the battling PRO14 final defeat in Dublin on Saturday.
Davies made his senior Wales debut in March’s NatWest Six Nations victory over Italy after starring in Pivac’s league winning side. It remains the 27-year-old’s only cap to date, one he is looking to add to in the weeks ahead. The World Cup in Japan in 2019 remains the ultimate aim.
Featuring in the same team as centre ace Jonathan – out with a long-term injury since November – is also on the bucket list. “The World Cup is in the back of everyone’s mind. If it comes, then brilliant and I want it as bad as anyone,” Davies said.
“Sam Warburton will be coming back, Josh Navidi is in the picture, and it is just about me playing my game and doing well with the Scarlets next season.
“By then if I get my chance and have a couple of good games, I might be able to play for Wales with my brother. If that were to happen it would be a great day for the family.
“It would be fantastic to play alongside him for Wales, but if that won’t come, then at least we’ve played together at the Scarlets and enjoyed some great days. Long may that continue.”
Davies known as ‘Cubby’ to Jonathan’s ‘Foxy’ – the pair were raised in a pub called the Fox and Hounds – faces intense competition for a place in Wales’ 31-man World Cup squad.
Gatland is blessed with openside options, namely dual British & Irish Lions skipper Warburton, the currently injured Navidi, Justin Tipuric and Ellis Jenkins, Wales co-captain this summer.
“There is no doubt I could have been born in an easier era in which to play in the back-row for Wales,” said Davies. “There is a lot of talent, but that’s just the way it is. My philosophy has never changed and if what I’m doing for the Scarlets is perceived as good enough by the Welsh selectors for them to put me in their team, then that’s fantastic. Hopefully I can push for a spot in the squad for the South Africa game.”
Davies and the rest of his 11 Scarlets team-mates in the Wales squad made a late dash to America on Sunday after their PRO14 final defeat to Leinster. They could be forgiven for wanting a rest, but for someone like Davies , it’s a chance to put down a marker.
“Last year I was able to go away for three weeks. It is going to be a different summer this year,” Davies said. “It is a long season and it doesn’t get any easier as you get older, but it’s more about freshening up the mental side of things as much as anything else. I will get the same time off as everyone else in the end.”
