Davies hails amazing career turnaround

14 April 2012

Mefin Davies is on course to complete one of the most remarkable career transformations any rugby player has known.

Less than a year ago, the Wales hooker had returned to part-time work in engineering after his professional rugby ambitions were dealt a major blow.
But by the end of this season, Davies could find himself reflecting on a Welsh RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam, a Powergen Cup final appearance and a new Gloucester contract.

Few people would begrudge the popular 32-year-old such an amazing turnaround in fortunes, least of all his Gloucester team-mates, with whom Davies has struck up an excellent rapport since he moved to Kingsholm just before Christmas.

"It has been a brilliant move - I am really enjoying it," said Davies, who was the highest-profile casualty of Welsh regional side Celtic Warriors' sudden demise last summer.

"It is a new start for me, working with new players, new coaches and playing at new venues. I've thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of it."
On Sunday his focus will be on domestic cup matters as the Cherry and Whites prepare to face Bath in a Kingsholm semi-final. Given their struggles in the Zurich Premiership and their exit from the Heineken Cup, their whole season now rests on this match.
On a personal level though Davies is glad merely to have revived his own fortunes.
"It is unbelievable, really, after what was such a difficult year," he added.
"When the Celtic Warriors disbanded, unfortunately, I was probably left to deal with my situation on my own. That was very difficult, and it was a long time supporting myself, really. I went back working part-time, and that was very hard.
"I joined Neath (in the Welsh Premiership), who were very good to me, but it was a case of an early start, late finish in the day job, and then you would go training afterwards. That is the way it was before professionalism, so it was nothing new, but it is a big difference going back to it once you understand what the advantages (of professionalism) are.

"Most clubs in England and France had already sorted out their players, and when the Celtic Warriors disbanded, it was all at the wrong time. If we had known three months prior to the end of last season, then everyone would have had a chance, but it has been a long process. Training on my own was the hardest thing.

"There were times when I didn't see a light, really, but you have got to believe in yourself, and I had great support from my close family and friends.
"Being called up for the (Neath-Swansea) Ospreys regional team a number of times was great, and then the opportunity came to join Gloucester. I don't think people in Wales thought I would go, but it was the right move for me, without a shadow of a doubt."

Davies made a 27th Test appearance during Wales' spectacular Six Nations victory over France last weekend, and the lure of further international honours saw him turn his back on a move to Paris-based Stade Francais.
"Last summer, there was an opportunity for me to go to Stade Francais," recalled Davies. "I went over to Paris, met them and everything was right, bar one thing - they wanted me to give up international rugby.
"If you have got a desire to play for your country, and if you give that up, then you might as well give up the game of rugby."
Davies will be a key component of Gloucester's victory bid against Bath this weekend and their attempt to reach Twickenham on April 16, and as ever, he will give everything to the cause.
A new contract could also be agreed sooner rather than later, prolonging his Gloucester career after he initially arrived in the west country on a short-term deal.
"Things are under discussion at the moment," he said. "It is a busy time of the year because of the Six Nations - I am here one week, then away with Wales the next - but it's obviously something I have got to sort out as soon as possible."

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