Last week, it was announced that arguably Welsh rugby’s greatest ever outside centre, Jonathan ‘Fox’ Davies, would retire at the age of 36, marking the end of an 18-year professional career.
In a statement posted on social media last Sunday, Davies said: “After taking time away from the game following the end of my last season with the Scarlets, I have come to the decision to call time on my professional rugby career”. He added that he had “been lucky enough to play the game professionally for 18 years, dedicating everything I have to being the best rugby player I could be. I now look forward to what the next 18 will bring, as a father, a husband, and in my next professional chapter. Diolch, Foxy.”
Davies left the Scarlets at the close of the 2023/24 season, having scored 55 tries in 209 appearances. He helped the team win the 2017 Pro 12 title and reach the 2018 European Champions Cup semi-final.
On the international stage, Davies was a crucial part of Warren Gatland’s Wales team, earning 96 caps since making his debut in 2009. His international career under Gatland saw him be integral to helping Wales climb to the top of the world rankings in 2019 as well as being a two-time Rugby World Cup semi-finalist and two-time Six Nations Grand Slam winner in 2012 and 2019 respectively.
He toured twice with the British and Irish Lions in 2013 and 2017; playing every test and relegating Irish Rugby legend Brian O’Driscoll to the bench for the deciding test with Australia in 2013; which the Lions won comfortably.
In 2017 he was named Lions player of the series in their historic series draw with New Zealand.
Jonathan Davies played with a rare combination of both flair and measured control; a gifted footballer and equally brilliant with ball in hand he proved a nightmare for defences across the world. His powerful handoff and underrated pace proved a threat in both attack but most notably in defence; he was truly an all-around great.
Players of his talent and skill do come along more often than not, but his reliability and discipline at the top of the game will be difficult to emulate. A modern legend of the game, the task now turns to who could possibly replace him.