Geraint DAVIES [
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Thu October 27, 2011
by Ian Golden
Wales have called up second row forward Geraint Davies as replacement for Gareth Thomas in the Gillette Four Nations squad.
The fluent Welsh speaker, who has co-presented Rugby League shows on S4C in the past, made his international debut for Wales against England in 2008, the first of his seven caps, scoring his sole test try against Ireland in Pontypridd in 2009.
Currently without a club since finishing a one-year contract with Limoux Grizzlies in June this year after helping them to the French Grand Final, Davies started his professional Rugby League career with Celtic Crusaders, scoring seven tries in 47 appearances. He also played for South Wales Scorpions in 2010.
Wales coach Iestyn Harris said: "We're really pleased that Geraint Davies is now officially in the 24-man Wales squad, he is full of enthusiasm for Wales Rugby League. He was our first reserve in case anyone did drop out and he played well in the friendly against Ireland last Saturday. He, like the rest of the squad, will all be in contention for selection against England in Leigh this Saturday, a game that we're all looking forward to."
Davies said: "I'm honoured more than anything. I was disappointed to have missed out in the first place but Iestyn made that call and he told me to go away and work on my game. The call came a lot sooner than I thought. I would like to congratulate Gareth Thomas in his career, he's someone I've looked up to since I was young and he'll go down as one of the greatest rugby players in Wales.
"I feel that I can bring passion to the team. I'm a very passionate Welshman. I thought I gave a good account of myself against Ireland at the weekend. I know it'll be difficult to get in this team but whether I get in or not, I'll be supporting the boys and supporting Wales."
Click here for the full confirmed Wales squad along with pen picturesFri October 16, 2009
Source: www.crusadersrfl.comCeltic Crusaders forward Geraint Davies is looking forward to running out for Wales to face England for a second time in Saturday's Gillette Fusion International at the Brewery Field in Bridgend (kick-off 6:15pm).
The Llandovery-born Davies is the only Crusaders first team squad member who has been at the Welsh club since its inception. After playing in the first ever game, he is approaching 50 first team appearances and says that he is enjoying his Super League Crusade.
"I'm thoroughly enjoying my rugby league," he said. "Playing for Wales is the highlight for anyone in their sporting career. While we were defeated last year, I believe we're a lot stronger this time around plus we're at home which will make a lot of difference."
Davies, is fast becoming one the more experienced Welshmen in the Crusaders set-up. Captain of the Crusaders Colts side who won the Conference National title in 2008, the 23-year old made his Super League debut against St Helens at Knowsley Road in June.
"It was probably my most memorable game so far," Davies said. "When I was warming up, I was looking at some of their players like James Graham and Tony Puletua and I thought 'They're massive' but when I got out onto the field adrenalin took over and I didn't care who I was up against. The big names don't phase me as I know I've got a job to do.
"I've enjoyed my first taste of Super League. It's been a great experience to play against the best and I think I've done quite well when I have played. I've proved that I can play at the highest level and I'm looking forward to Saturday's game to show that again."
Wales may have suffered a heavy defeat in Doncaster last year but Davies believes that the Welsh can turn things around in Bridgend.
"Last year I thought it was height and weight that mattered when it comes to playing Super League," he said. "But after playing against England, I realised that it was speed and fitness. So I've worked a lot on that this year. Everyone's much fitter. We all benefited from that first England game and saw what was needed for Super League. Even though we weren't that successful last year, we now have a platform to work on with the new coaching team."
Davies has been enjoying working for Iestyn Harris, one of his new club coaches, this week and believes that the new coaching staff at the Crusaders will be a success.
"This is going to be really good for the club," Davies adds. "I'm out of contract right now but I do hope to still be playing for the Crusaders come 2010. Iestyn's a great coach, he's very fair and knows a lot. His coaching's really rubbed off on the boys and we all look up to him. I've learned a lot off him already in a couple of days and it'll be good to be able to work with him again for the Crusaders."
Davies is always proud to represent the Crusaders and Wales, not just as a player but as an ambassador. One of just two Welsh speaker first team members in 2009, he is lending his experience to other players and officials in that field too.
"I'm always happy to do interviews for Radio Cymru or S4C," he said. "I'm proud to be a Welsh speaker, it's my first language and being able to do these things for the club is an honour. It helps promote the Crusaders in Wales to a wider audience too. I'm also happy to help out other members of the club as one or two of them are Welsh learners which is pleasing to see.
"I like having the Welsh element in the team. It was good when we played against Leeds Rhinos as I was alongside five who had come up through the Academy team. Even though the result was extreme, it was nice to play in a team with a good old Taff accent. The team for Saturday will be the same kind of thing, born and bred Welsh players which can only be good for the future of Welsh Rugby League."
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 2009 engage English Super League
North Wales Crusaders
8 games; [View] Round 12 [03 May 09] L 16-40 v Huddersfield. [CT]
[View] Round 18 [26 Jun 09] L 0-30 v St Helens (A). [BE]
[View] Round 19 [04 Jul 09] L 6-22 v Warrington (H). [BE]
[View] Round 23 [01 Aug 09] L 0-34 v Les Catalans (A). [BE]
[View] Round 24 [16 Aug 09] L 12-46 v Wakefield (A). [BE]
[View] Round 25 [22 Aug 09] L 0-68 v Leeds (H). [BE]
[View] Round 26 [05 Sep 09] L 16-42 v Huddersfield (H). [BE]
[View] Round 27 [13 Sep 09] L 22-35 v Castleford (A). [BE]
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Davies, Geraint
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