My new rugby life abroad is a breath of fresh air after I escaped the Welsh mess

Wales international Sam Davies says he has no regrets about leaving behind the "mess" of Welsh rugby, with his new life in France "a breath of fresh air".

The 30-year-old fly-half left Wales to sign for Pro D2 side Grenoble last summer and has enjoyed a stellar first season across the English Channel. After telling WalesOnline earlier this year that he was playing "the best rugby of my career", last month he was crowned the league's player of the season having averaged around 10 points a game.

Davies' fine performances have helped his side push for promotion to the Top 14 and while they lost out in a fiercely contested play-off final to Vannes, they have another chance of making it to the top flight as they face Montpellier in a promotion/ relegation play-off on Sunday.

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Even if he doesn't make it to the Top 14, however, the eight-cap international will be in good company in the second tier next season, with George North joining Tomas Francis at Provence, who Grenoble beat in their play-off semi-final. Regardless of what happens this weekend, Davies is thankful to "get away" from the "negativity" of Welsh rugby.

Speaking about his move, he told AFP: "It was an opportunity to get away from Wales, the goldfish bowl, a sense of negativity. Welsh rugby is a mess in terms of the regions with talks of going down to two or three regions.

"Fair play to the Ospreys they've performed well but the other regions have been well below par."

"It's incredible to see things in France, it's a breath of fresh air," Davies continued. "They'll allow you to make a couple of errors but in return you have to give them something back and that's what I've done this year."

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The Welshman has quickly become a fan favourite at Grenoble, having been at the centre of some of their most memorable moments this season, including a nerveless last-minute game-winning drop goal against Nevers to cap a "flawless" performance. He could go one step further if he inspires his side back to the top flight for the first time in five years this weekend, but he knows that they face a sizeable challenge against billionaire-backed Montpellier.

"We do understand that some of the Montpellier players are probably playing for their livelihoods," said Davies. "That's why there's pressure on Montpellier. We're very aware there's a desperate team coming into town on Sunday."

He added: ""It would sum up the season to a T, being a rollercoaster and then getting a victory - but I'm not sure how many more rollercoasters seasons my heart can take!"