Photo via BBC Sport

Davies urged to reverse retirement for World Cup

Former Wales scrum-half Gareth Davies, who retired from international rugby in 2024 after a decorated 10-year career featuring 77 Test caps, a Grand Slam, and two British and Irish Lions tours, is now the subject of renewed interest ahead of the 2027 World Cup. His former teammate Scott Baldwin, a Wales hooker, has publicly urged Davies to reconsider his retirement, citing his experience and leadership as potential assets in a high-pressure knockout match against England.

Baldwin highlighted Davies’ ability to thrive under pressure, drawing comparisons to South Africa’s use of veteran Schalk Brits in the 2019 World Cup, and suggested his presence could bolster Wales’ depth at scrum-half, where Tomos Williams remains the primary option but faces competition from Keiran Hardy and Reuben Morgan-Williams. Davies, now 36 and the leading Welsh try-scorer in the United Rugby Championship, recently showcased his enduring form as a second-half substitute for the Scarlets, helping secure a dramatic 21-7 comeback win over Benetton in the URC.

Wales coach Steve Tandy has hinted at exploring a conversation with Davies, emphasizing that his World Cup expertise could be invaluable even if he doesn’t feature in the autumn or Six Nations campaigns. Baldwin also recalled Davies’ iconic try against England in the 2015 World Cup, underscoring his impact in pivotal moments, while Tandy expressed cautious optimism about Wales’ chances of advancing beyond the group stage in Australia next year.

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