Wales international departs Saracens for United Rugby Championship switch
Saracens Aled Davies scores their side's first try during the European Challenge Cup quarter final match at Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester. Picture date: Friday May 6, 2022.
Wales international scrum-half Aled Davies has left Premiership giants Saracens after four years at the club in order to sign for Cardiff on a long-term contract.
The 31-year-old made 72 appearances for the English outfit and helped Saracens claim the Premiership title in 2023, but he has decided to return to home country.
Davies knows Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt well after spending time under his tutelage during his stint with the Ospreys, for whom he joined back in 2018.
Cardiff move
“I’m really excited to join Cardiff at this time and to see where this group can go – it’s full of talent,” said the scrum-half.
“I’ve obviously worked with Matt before and he is a very astute coach, who I enjoyed playing under.
“The atmosphere at the Arms Park looked electric last year and I’m really looking forward to experiencing that and giving my all for the team.”
Davies also played for the Scarlets earlier in his career and will be keen to impress at Cardiff in the hope that he can ultimately add to his 20 caps tally for Wales.
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Sherratt said: “Aled is a top quality person and player, who will really add to this team. With Tomos departing, we needed to add some experience at scrum-half and Aled has been there and done it.
“He has a huge amount of top level experience, has represented Wales on 20 occasions and arrives from one of the best teams in Europe, with all that insight and experience.
“As a player, he is technically very good, he controls the game really well, is athletic and hard-working.
“He is the perfect addition to our squad and will not only compete with, but help the development of the likes of Ellis Bevan.”
Scrum-half Davies also thanked Saracens as he bid an emotional farewell to the Premiership outfit, revealing that he has made “friends for life” at the English club.
“I want to thank all the coaching and back-room staff for the unwavering support for myself and my family over the last four years, the club will always hold a special place in our hearts,” he said.
“I am really grateful for my time at the club, the memories created on and off the field have been incredible. I have made friends for life.
“Diolch.”
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