Welsh front row Ross Davies played in Major League Rugby during the 2019 season. He represented the NOLA Gold for his entire MLR career.

Born in the village of Trinant in Caerphilly, Wales, Davies developed through the Welsh age grade sides, representing the U18s, U19s, and U21s, winning a Grand Slam in the 2005 U21 Six Nations. Between 2003-2008 Davies played at an amateur level, representing Cardiff and Newbridge RFC in Wales and Galwegians RFC in Ireland before returning to Wales with Neath RFC. While in Ireland, he also represented the Connacht Provincial side.

Davies’ career turned pro when he signed with the Sale Sharks in the English Premiership in 2008, spending the 2008/09 season there as well as with Worcester on a short loan. The following season he headed back to Wales to join Ospreys, earning his Celtic League (now the URC) debut in the 2009/10 campaign. After a year with Ampthill RUFC, Davies signed with Championship club Rotherham Titans, spending the 2011/12 season there before moving to rivals Doncaster where he represented the Knights from 2013-2015, helping them earn promotion back to the Championship in 2013. Following a few seasons int he English second tier, Davies headed back to Wales, joining RGC1404 in Super Rygbi Cymru for the 2016/17 season.

A true journeyman, in 2018 Ross Davies headed across the pond to the USA, where he played with Dallas Reds in 2018 before signing with the NOLA Gold ahead of the 2019 MLR season. In his debut season in North America 35yo Davies started his only MLR appearance in a 22-10 loss to the San Diego Legion, becoming the first Welshman to play in the fledgling Major league Rugby competition.

achievements

• First Welshman to play in Major League Rugby