Scorpions snap up Wales international
South Wales Scorpions have signed Abercynon-born youngster Chris Davies for next season’s Co-operative Championship 1 campaign.
The youngster, who turns 19 in December, has been playing for the Crusaders under 18 side for the last two years and was a member of their National Youth League winning side last year when they beat favourites Leigh Miners Rangers 32-0 in the Final. He is also a Wales under 18 international and starred in wins over England and Scotland last year.
He will be training with the Welsh squad this week and will be in contention for a place in the side when Wales take on Italy at The Racecourse in Wrexham this Wednesday (kick-off 7.30pm).
The Crusaders youth development sides are still playing their rugby out of South Wales and are run from the Wales Rugby League out of their offices in Bridgend College.
Scorpions head coach Anthony Seibold said: “Chris was a leading player in the Crusaders under 18 Super League Academy.
“I think he has the potential to be a future Super League player and this (joining the Scorpions) is his next step along that pathway.
“It shows that the conveyor belt in Wales is working and I know that Chris will take the opportunity that has been presented to him. He was a standout in the Crusaders under 18 side’s wins over Hull FC and Catalans Dragons in this year’s shortened Academy season and I know he will get his chance with the Scorpions in Championship One if he works hard over the off season. He has a massive future in the game if he works hard.”
Davies said: “I’m really happy to be signing for the Scorpions and I’m really looking forward to the challenge of professional Rugby League. It’s a good chance for me to prove myself and will be really good experience for me. Hopefully one day it may lead to me playing in Super League.”
Stuart Williams, who has been coaching Davies for the past two years for both Crusaders and Wales said: “His first introduction to Rugby League was the season where we won the National Youth League title. Back then he was really raw, but now he’s developed into one of the leaders of our side. He has a great work rate and he leads by example for others to follow. He has a good future in front of him and is always prepared to learn. He’ll enjoy working in a professional outfit.”