WHEN Wales suffered a last gasp defeat to England in the Plate final of the 2014 Commonwealth Games – it was a disappointing end to a superb two years of international 7s action for James Davies.

The 25-year-old, who had captained his country on the IRB World 7s circuit after debuting in the 2012 Dubai event, then turned his efforts to the 15-a-side game after being handed a professional contract by the Scarlets.

And sure enough, the decision proved justified, with the open side flanker widely regarded as one of his region’s strongest performers in the past two seasons - leading to many tipping him to be included in Warren Gatland’s Welsh squad that toured New Zealand earlier this summer.

That particular call never came, but as one door closed, a unique one seemingly re-opened for Davies when in May this year he was confirmed as one of the 25 players in Simon Amor’s Team GB 7s training squad for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

And following an intensive seven week training programme involving four international competitions, the former Whitland and Carmarthen Quins player was named in the 12-man squad for Brazil early last week.

“We had been told beforehand about selection but had to keep it quiet until the official announcement on the Tuesday,” Davies told Telegraph Sport.

“My parents knew but other than that I had to keep it to myself which was hard.”

But whilst Davies said he was obviously delighted to be named, the moment was tainted when he found out his room-mate throughout the training camp, fellow Welshman and Cardiff Blues centre Cory Allen, had missed out.

“I’ve become really good mates with Cory and after I knew I was picked he was the first person I asked about.

“When we both got back to our room I spoke to him straight away and he was upset and disappointed. It wasn’t the best moment and although I was pleased myself I felt down for him.”

It means that Davies will join Newport RFC flanker Sam Cross as the two Welsh representatives in the squad, with Luke Treharne a travelling reserve.
But although he is no stranger to international 7s tournaments Davies, universally known as ‘Cubby’ after his parents owned the Fox and Hounds pub where he grew up in Bancyfelin, admits the challenge ahead is an entirely new one.

“The last two months have been thoroughly enjoyable and exceeded all my expectations,” he said.

“I’ve been with a new group of boys and training with players I’ve never worked with before. It’s been a different challenge and I’ve loved it.

“We are all in it together - and it’s going to be a change from what any of us have experienced before because we will be in the Olympic village mixing with different athletes from different sports.”

But Davies, whose family will be there in Rio to support him, added that the squad had to do more than simply enjoy the Games.

“We’ve spoken about targets and coming back with medals.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for all of us and we know the challenges we will face out there. But we will be doing our absolute best to win Gold.”

The squad has flown out to Brazil today (Thursday) for training and acclimatisation, with the men’s 7s competition taking place from August 9-11 at the Deodoro Stadium. Team GB have been drawn in a pool with Kenya, Japan, and New Zealand.

But regardless of how things go in Brazil, Davies insists a return to the World 7s circuit is not on the cards anytime soon.

“15s is my game now and hats off to the Scarlets for letting me do this,” said Davies, who is to be given a three week break when he returns from Rio before returning to training ahead of the 2016/17 Guinness Pro12 season.

“Perhaps if a call game for the Commonwealth Games in two years and the timing was right I may consider it – but I can’t see myself going back on the circuit now.”

However, for the next fortnight ‘Cubby’s’ focus will be on the aforementioned ‘once in a lifetime’ chance in Rio, and the opportunity to return to West Wales next month as an Olympic medalist.

Western Telegraph Sport would like to congratulate James 'Cubby' Davies on his Olympic selection and wish him the best of luck in Rio.