Double delight for Davies

Flanker James Davies picked up a duo of top awards at Scarlets’ End of Season Awards on Saturday evening after a breakthrough first professional season.

Davies, up against stiff competition, was crowned Players Player and Worthington’s Fans Player of the Season at the region’s glitzy ceremony at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday 23^rd May, 2015.

The twenty-four year old has crossed the whitewash four times and has set up more, but his real strength comes at the rucks, where he has been dominating the breakdown all season.

Topping the list in April with 25 turnovers, more than any other player in the Pro12, Davies can change the tide of play in an instant and give his team vital possession. The flanker’s defence is also a talking point, with enough pace to hunt down ball carriers out wide as he did to prevent Dragons’ Dorian Jones from scoring a last gasp try at Judgement Day 3, despite already being over the try line.

Vice-captain, teammate and long-term friend Scott Williams had the honour of presenting Davies with his Players Player award, he said: “When I was asked to present this award I didn’t hesitate to say yes and take the opportunity to say a few words. I’ve known Cubby since I was about 13 year old and played with him at Whitland.

“The performances that you’ve seen from him over the last few months are what I’ve seen from him since I’ve known him. He’s been given an opportunity this season and has really taken it with both hands. He is fully deserving of the praise he’s received.”

On receiving his Players Player award Davies said: “I’d like to thank everyone for their support; to the fans who voted and to the players for this fantastic honour. It’s been a great year and I must thank everyone here who has given me the opportunity at the Scarlets.

“If I hadn’t have had the opportunity none of this would have been possible. It’s a pleasure playing with these boys week in week out and we’re looking forward to building next season.”