South Wales Scorpions have welcomed another Welsh international back to the club ahead of Sunday’s final home regular season match against Hunslet Hawks at Caerphilly RFC (kick-off 3pm).
Courtney Davies, whose kicking skills were instrumental in Wales winning the European Cup last year, returns to the Scorpions on a permanent deal after a three-year absence, playing the last season and a half at local rivals Gloucestershire All Golds.
The 21-year old started out in rugby union and was on Ospreys’ books but changed sports six years ago to come through the academy system at Celtic Crusaders after impressing at Neath Port Talbot Steelers. He joined Scorpions at under 18 level in 2012 and made a try-scoring senior debut that year, on July 1st, his 18th birthday. At the time he was captain of the Wales under 18 side.
He played for London Skolars in 2014 and has spent the last season and a half with Gloucestershire All Golds making 23 appearances, all bar four being at stand-off. Last season he scored an outstanding try for Wales against France in the European Cup at Cardiff Arms Park, and also kicked nine goals in the tournament’s three matches.
Former North Wales Crusaders prop Alex Davidson, who has also spent the last season and a half at the All Golds, joins the Scorpions on a month’s loan.
A former Wigan Warriors youth player and England Schoolboy international, the 23-year old Davidson was signed by Salford Red Devils in 2009 and made three Super League appearances. He also played on loan with Leigh Centurions, Oldham Roughyeds and the Crusaders during that time, before moving permanently to All Golds in 2015 where he played 26 matches scoring 10 tries.
He is also a qualified coach and referee and is currently head coach of the All Golds reserve side and will remain in that position, which will make Saturday’s match – Valley Cougars v All Golds Reserves at Treharris RFC (kick-off 2.30pm) – very interesting as he’ll come up against his potential team-mate for the next day in Valley Cougars’ coach Dafydd Hellard.
He also coached last year’s University of Gloucestershire BUCS outfit and the South of England colleges representative side. He’s currently reading a Masters’ degree in Strength and Conditioning at University of Gloucestershire after relocating to the South West.
Davidson joins fellow All Golds loanees Jamie Murphy and Richard Jones at the Scorpions.
Scorpions’ director Marc Lovering said: “We’ve picked up a few injuries of late so the squad was starting to look a little stretched and with the season split on the horizon, our coach Phil Carleton felt that we needed to strengthen.
“Both Jamie and Richard have made a really positive impact since joining us on loan and we are expecting the same from Courtney and Alex.
“Courtney will need no introduction to the majority of our supporters given his role for Wales in the European Cup and because of his past performances for the Scorpions. I’ve made no secret of the fact Courtney was a player I wanted to see back in Wales so I will certainly be looking forward to seeing him back in a Scorpions shirt. We want the top welsh talent playing at Virginia Park and Courtney certainly fits the bill.
“Alex is a player who has a strong Rugby League pedigree. Had he not picked up a couple of injuries at the wrong time I’m sure he would have added to his three Super League appearances. On occasions this season our effort and commitment has been first class but we have perhaps lacked a bit of nous. Alex’s knowledge of the game is second to none and I’m sure we’ll benefit from having him around for a while.”
Sunday’s match against Hunslet Hawks is the culmination of an exciting afternoon of events which sees a Masters Rugby League festival between teams from South Wales, Yorkshire, Lancashire and Medway Dragons from Kent. The European Cup trophy, won by Wales last year, will also be on display and fans can have their photos taken with this. Tickets for the day, priced £8 for adults, £5 concessions and £1 juniors can be bought by going to www.scorpionsrl.com.
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