Wales star 'unable to describe the pain' as he posts gut-wrenching photo after stunning season

Dylan James
·3-min read
-Credit: (Image: Sam Davies on Instagram)
-Credit: (Image: Sam Davies on Instagram)


Sam Davies' season in France has ended in heartbreak after his Grenoble side failed to defeat Montpellier.

The eight-cap Wales international has enjoyed a spectacular first season in the French second division, Pro D2. A string of tremendous performances from the fly-half spurred on the team to a huge semi-final win against Provence Rugby, where George North will play next season. Davies knocked over penalties and drop-goals in that game to seal a dramatic match 23-22.

Facing them in the final were Vannes, who had just defeated AS Beziers Herault 27-21 in the other semi. If they won this match, they'd automatically qualify for the Top 14. However, it was heartache at that hurdle for Davies, with the team losing 16-9 - but did he kick all nine points.

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There was one more opportunity for the team, however. In French club rugby, if you finish second-last place in the Top 14, you have to play an 'access match' against the losing finalist of the Pro D2 to keep your place in France's elite division. Montpellier were 13th in the season just gone, so they had to play Davies' Grenoble.

Despite a valiant effort from the Pro D2 outfit, who were leading 18-14 at half-time, two penalty kicks from France international Louis Carbonel ensured that Montpellier won the match and stayed in the Top 14.

In the wake of this disappointing result, 30-year-old Davies took time to reflect on a dramatic debut season in France by taking to Instagram.

"As the season closes in the most painful way possible, I want to take a moment to reflect," wrote Davies. "A rollercoaster would be an understatement to describe it! The most enjoyable season of rugby in my career in a wonderful city and country! France and Grenoble in particular has given myself and my wife way more than we could have imagined, from life experience to a beautiful new culture and real top level of rugby that is getting better year on year!

"To have come so close to promotion twice against all odds is a pain I am unable to describe (and the first photo is the harsh reality of sport on occasions like this). Two winnable matches fell away from this great team and I want to assure you that we will be back next season hungrier than ever! To my teammates - you have been incredible in every aspect! Facing deductions and adversity all season, it really was incredible to have made the plays offs at all!

"To the supporters thank you for the incredible experiences all season and atmospheres that I have never experienced on rugby fields before! I'm sorry we were unable to give you Top 14 because it’s what you deserve, but as a team we will be fighting every week next season to make this dream a reality! You really do make a difference! For a few weeks that’s me over and out for some much needed rest and recovery (and maybe a little Toca Vida spirits as well)."

Grenoble fans have welcomed the former Dragons man with open arms, and were incredibly supportive in the comments section.

"You were a force to be reckoned with this season and we loved watching you play! It’s about how you get back up after a fall. Bigger and better things to come for next season. Much love from us," said one.

"We have really enjoyed watching you play this season & so very honoured to have Magic Sam in the family. Grenoble is lucky to have you!" said another.

"From a supporter to the player: Thank you so much for the season you gave us! You gave us so much by giving us a reason to hope when we thought everything was lost and that we were going to fight to avoid dropping down to the lower division. This team is amazing! Enjoy your deserved holidays!" added a third.

Davies has been captured by the 25-cap law and is not eligible to represent Wales at present.

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