He makes his fourth successive start against France at Cardiff Arms Park tonight (kick-off 7.45pm) and has really caught the eye with his commanding performances to date.
It is all a bit different from the past two years, when he found himself wearing the rose of England, rather than the feathers of Wales. In his own mind there is no conflict of loyalty and home is very much where his heart is.
“It was tricky playing for England at U18 and U19 level. For me, it was for a development purpose,” said Davies.
“Wales didn’t need me, although I was involved in systems which could have brought me back. That’s how it goes sometimes and it didn’t quite go my way through school and all of that.
“The opportunity then came up with England. My family and I thought it was a pretty good developmental option and being involved there for two years definitely made me a better player.
“My mum’s English, and my dad’s Welsh. I’ve lived in Wales my whole life other than to go to school at Millfield, so I was happy to play with England.
“But when I had the opportunity to go back to play for Wales I did. I’m Welsh at heart, I speak Welsh, and I grew up in Swansea. For me this side of the bridge is where my heart lies internationally, and I think that’s pretty clear.”
Davies’ kicking from the base of his pack has been a huge boost for his team and he has got his back line moving well. Centre Louie Hennessey is in the Bath Academy with him and he still has another year to go on his deal at The Recreation Ground.
Wales played England at his current ‘home’ venue last month, when he found himself lining up against all the players with who he’d played alongside with England U18 and U19 for the two previous season.
“It was nice. You play against them for club and school, so you are used to playing against them but it was different this time. There were a few comments but none that weren’t returned, so I was happy enough.”
Ieuan Davies kicking against his former team, England
Davies went to Millfield earlier than many, who switch on sporting scholarships at 16. He graduated through the ranks and captained the side in his final season.
When you are a Welsh scrum half at Millfield it can be difficult because there is always the comparison made with Sir Gareth Edwards, who was a pupil there in the sixties. The famous Somerset public school renamed their showcase rugby field the Sir Gareth Edwards Pitch a number of years ago, so Davies was always very conscious of the rich Welsh sporting heritage.
“There were a couple of other Welsh boys in the team with me who had been at Welsh clubs before or had come over just for the schooling. The majority came over at 16 , whereas I went there younger.,” said Davies.
“A few have gone back home and are now playing in the Premiership and the Championship. A few lads have stayed over and pursued a university career.
“I started like any other Welsh lad at four or five years-old down to my local club, South Gower. I really loved it, and what drove me on was a love and passion for the game.
“Then getting the opportunity to go to Millfield for educational purposes was something that doesn’t come around often. I’m really grateful that I could go there.
“I was in a boarding house with his Gareth Edwards’ grandson. I’ve spoken to Gareth a fair bit, he’s a brilliant man, and I’ve really enjoyed his company when I have met him.
“It was brilliant to be able to have conversations with him and even though the timings between his career and mine are very different, there were still things that he’s passed on to me that I’ve really valued.”
The switch to Millfield earned him not only England age-grade honours, but also got him into the Bath Academy. He still has a year to run on his deal at The Recreation Ground and is loving his time there.
“Going to Millfield just led me on to a natural path to the Bath academy and I’ve been with them ever since. I’ve loved being with Bath and playing my rugby there,” he added.
“The standard of professionalism, and the level they are at, is brilliant and it’s something I’m really enjoying being a part of.
“I haven’t worked too much with Finn Russell yet, but when I do get the opportunity it’s quite nice. Whenever I’m in a panic I just give him the ball and something happens which makes you look good.”
Davies is looking forward to finishing the U20 Six Nations campaign on a high with two home games against France and Italy at the Arms Park. Having beaten Scotland in Colwyn Bay in the opening round, the aim is to keep on winning on home soil.
Try time in Ireland
There is a summer of World Rugby U20 Championship rugby to shoot for over the next two games, with a trip to South African to meet the French again, along with New Zealand and newly promoted Spain.
“It’ll be nice to be back in Cardiff. There’ll be great support, and it’ll be a bit of a morale booster for all of us,” he added.
“We know they are going to be a top side. They’ve done it throughout the years but also this year as well.
“As out coach told us, there has been a bit of change in their side, so we are not sure what sort of team they are going to bring. We’ve got our plans and we know we can execute.
“There’s a lot of character in this group of lads and I’m really confident there’s something we can show in Cardiff over the next few weeks.”
