‘Unfit’ Davies abandons World Cup dream

Llanelli captain Leigh Davies today stood down from the Wales squad preparing for the World Cup because he is concerned by his lack of fitness.

The powerhouse centre was first capped against Italy in 1996 but his international hopes have been blighted by injuries.

He said: “I have informed Wales national coach Steve Hansen that I do not wish to be included in the current squad preparing for the Rugby World Cup. This is due to my ongoing fitness battle.

“I am currently undergoing specific rehabilitation training with my physio at Llanelli Scarlets and I do not feel as though I am 100% match-fit.

“Against that background, I feel that it is best that I stand down from the current Wales squad, concentrate on regaining full fitness and then hopefully let my form enable me to regain a place in the international set-up.

“I have discussed this matter with both Steve Hansen and my regional coach, Gareth Jenkins, and we are all of the same mind.

“I hope that a fully-fit Leigh Davies will still have something to offer Wales in the future. In the meantime, I will concentrate all my efforts on playing for and captaining Llanelli Scarlets.”