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Davies: I’ve matured as a player

Davies: I’ve matured as a player

Bradley Davies is aiming to prove he has matured as a player during Wales’ two-Test tour of Japan.

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The Cardiff Blues lock will complete his return to the international stage in the Far East following a frustrating 18-months.

Davies has not played for Wales since he was controversially pole-axed by New Zealand hooker Andrew Hore at the Millennium Stadium six months ago.

Hore was subsequently banned for five weeks and Davies missed the following Test against Australia.

He returned to action for the Blues in December but injured his ankle in training ruling him out of this year’s RBS 6 Nations tournament and ending any hopes of making the British and Irish Lions squad.

It was the second year in a row Davies had watched Wales win the Championship title from the sidelines following his own seven-week suspension in 2011 for a dangerous tackle on Ireland’s Donnacha Ryan.

But having become a father for the first time, the 26-year-old is ready to cap his comeback by leading Wales against Japan in Osaka on Saturday.

“I’m so happy to be back with Wales after the season I’ve had, but you have to go through some things in life to learn from it and get better,” said Davies

“I’m not the sort of guy who looks back, I’m only looking forward.

“People say I’ve had a terrible year and on the field that’s true. But off it the pitch it has been a special year as I’ve had a baby girl [Elle]. She’s healthy and that puts everything into perspective.

“I’ve matured and learned over the years. You realise how important these chances are once someone takes it away from you through injury, or selection or suspension.

“I’ve learned to embrace being away and that’s what I’ve told the younger guys in the squad because, looking back, I wish I had done more.”

Davies is by far the most experienced member of Robin McBryde’s squad and he holds twice the number of caps than anyone else in the squad.

He has previously captained Wales in the age-grades as well as his region Cardiff Blues and he has vowed to lead by example.

“I’ve captained Wales at age-grade levels and Cardiff Blues, but being Wales captain is different because of the profile of the position and the fact there’s no-one above me in number of caps,” added Davies

“But I don’t want to try and be someone I’m not. I’m no good at inspirational speeches and that. My type of game is to lead from the front, get stuck in and hopefully that will help the lads.”

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