Today's rugby news as Welsh exile on brink of joining giants and star leaves pitch in tears after heartbreak

These are your rugby headlines on Sunday, June 16.

Welsh exile on brink of promotion

Wales international Sam Davies is on the brink of winning promotion to the Top 14 as his Grenoble side take on Montpellier in a winner-takes-all play-off this afternoon.

Davies has been a revelation in France since leaving Wales last summer, being crowned the Pro D2 player of the season last month having averaged around 10 points a game in his debut campaign. The fly-half has been loving his new life, recently describing it as a "breath of fresh air" from the "mess" of Welsh rugby and claiming that he is playing the best rugby of his career since making the move.

The 30-year-old's 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 last week, they have another chance of making it to the top flight as they face Montpellier in a promotion/ relegation play-off at 5pm.

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A win would see Davies take on some giants of the European game with some meetings with fellow Welshmen including Will Rowlands and Dan Biggar on the cards next season if they can get a result.

Victory would see Grenoble back to the top flight for the first time in five years, but Davies knows that they face a sizeable challenge against their billionaire-backed opponents.

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

"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!"

Heartbroken star leaves pitch in tears

Former Ireland and British & Irish Lions star Simon Zebo left the pitch in tears as his last game in professional rugby ended in disappointment.

The 34-year-old wing announced last month that he would be retiring from the sport at the end of the season, having made 176 appearances for Munster and becoming the province's record try-scorer.

However, he couldn't guide the reigning URC champions to a semi-final win over Glasgow in this year's competition, with Graham Rowntree's side crashing out following a 17-10 defeat yesterday afternoon.

And it was all too much for Zebo at the full-time whistle, with the 35-cap international left in tears as he left the Thormond Park pitch for the final time as a player. While he waved goodbye to the fans, the Irishman was consoled by teammate Alex Nankivell as he was overcome with emotion.

As well as last year's URC title, Zebo also won the 2010/11 Pro 14 title with Munster, with a spell in France with Racing 92 coming between two stints at the Irish province.

URC finalists confirmed

The Bulls and Glasgow Warriors will contest this year's URC final.

The two sides will meet in Pretoria next Saturday, after the South African side beat Leinster 25-20 and the Warriors came out of top in a cagey 17-10 display against holders Munster yesterday evening.

Inspired by a phenomenal performance from Welsh-qualified forward Cameron Hanekom, the Bulls were magnificent with a try from Sergeal Petersen proving decisive as they knocked out the Irish side.

The second semi-final was a far more narrow affair, with the Warriors managing to hold their nerve despite seeing two men sent to the sin-bin. However, a late red card for Munster and a successful George Horne penalty saw them over the line and into the grand final next weekend.

Regardless of who comes out on top on Saturday, a new champion will be crowned in the league for the third successive year.

Whitelock joins Barbarians

All Blacks legend Sam Whitelock will join the Barbarians squad for their clash against Fiji next weekend.

The 35-year-old, who currently represents French side Pau, has announced he will retire at the end of the season, having started his career back in 2008.

In that time, he has won two World Cups with New Zealand and become the second most-capped men's player in history, with only Alun Wyn Jones beating his tally of 153 international caps.

He will link up with the BaaBaas for their Killik Cup fixture against Fiji, which is being held at Twickenham on the same day as Wales' match with South Africa.

“I’ve always wanted to represent the Barbarians, so I am delighted that now I have the opportunity to do it,” said Whitelock. “I can’t wait to experience a week with the BaaBaas, and it’s very exciting for me to be doing something for the first time after such a long career in rugby so far.

“The Barbarians is a select group; you have to be invited to play, and to get that invitation now is very humbling. I’m looking forward to getting to know a few of the guys I have played against throughout my career.

He added: "Spending a week with the group will be special – it’s always great to get to know different people, different cultures and different ways of doing things, with the backdrop of an important match at the end of the week. The Barbarians play a fantastic style of rugby as well, they’re never afraid to try a few things and I am sure it will be the same again this time around.”