SAM Davies intends to stamp his authority on the Dragons team – and breathe life back into his Wales career.

The 25-year-old fly-half has moved to Rodney Parade on a two-year deal from the Ospreys, turning down offers from abroad in favour of staying to fight for a Test place.

Davies has not played international rugby since winning the last of his eight caps against Samoa in Apia in 2017 but is determined to join Gareth Anscombe, Dan Biggar, Jarrod Evans and Rhys Patchell as options at 10 for incoming Wales boss Wayne Pivac.

Key to doing that is spearheading an upturn in fortunes for the Dragons, with the playmaker determined to become the main man in Newport.

Penarth Times:

“When I thought about my Wales ambitions and the opportunity that arose here, it was a no-brainer,” said Davies.

“At the start of the season when there was a bit of interest it was exciting and you think about doing it (moving out of Wales), but I am 25 and have a lot of playing time left in me.

“I want to play for Wales and if I move away then that is gone and I could become the forgotten man. I want to stamp my authority on a team here in Wales and this the best opportunity to do so.”

The Dragons first entered talks with Davies when caretaker coach Ceri Jones was in charge of recruitment before the move was sealed by new director of rugby Dean Ryan.

“Having spoken to all the coaching team, the final point was meeting Dean Ryan and seeing the young team that was here,” said Davies.

“It is exciting to see the Dragon are being ambitious and I am keen to be a part of that. It is a team where I think I can make a difference.

“There are a lot of exciting young boys here already and hopefully with the addition of myself we can push forward as a region.”

Penarth Times:

The Dragons beat the Ospreys in December to end a four-year derby drought, with Davies missing a potential winning kick from the left touchline, and the fly-half wants to help make Newport a daunting destination again in the PRO14.

However, he is keen to stress that there is not going to be a dramatic change overnight in the Ryan era.

“Rodney Parade has never been an easy place to come and if we can make it like that next year then it will benefit us,” he said.

“I don’t think it’s going to be a case of us shooting to the top of the table because I’ve signed here but if we can build off what was good last year – beating the Ospreys courtesy of me missing a kick and beating the Scarlets – then it will push us in the right direction.

“There is plenty of potential here, but that has been said for a couple of years. Hopefully we can move forward as a team and with a bit of direction, I’d like to think from myself, these boys can blossom.”