PLAYMAKER Sam Davies turned down offers to leave Wales in favour of a new two-year deal with the Dragons, insisting he has “unfinished business” at Rodney Parade.

The 27-year-old has agreed fresh terms with Dean Ryan’s side despite being on the radar with clubs in the English Premiership.

Davies has been a key figure since heading to the Dragons from the Ospreys in the summer of 2019, making 27 appearances and establishing himself at 10.

The left-footer turned down approaches from England and France to stay in Wales two years ago and, with his deal due to expire this summer, was once again exploring his options.

Wales international Davies stresses that they were just contingency plans and that he was thrilled to commit to a new deal.

Penarth Times: DEAL: Sam Davies has signed fresh terms with the DragonsDEAL: Sam Davies has signed fresh terms with the Dragons

“I was always happy at the Dragons and last season, I wouldn't quite say it revitalised my career but we made some real statements and turned some heads,” said Davies.

“I never wanted to leave the Dragons but sometimes you have agents offering deals elsewhere.

I never deeply thought about, it but it was something there in the background.

“You've got to bear in mind that my contract was up this year, so I had to keep my options open and look at worst-case scenarios.

“Thankfully we were able to get a deal sorted and I am extremely happy because there is a lot of unfinished business here.

"In times of uncertainty it's good to have security. I'm over the moon at getting the deal done and I'm really looking to what the future holds at the Dragons.

"It's a weight off my shoulders and these are really exciting times. When things do get back to normal next season we can start building towards some proper goals.”

Davies won the last of his eight caps against Samoa in the summer of 2017 but played in the uncapped fixture with the Barbarians in 2019 and was called up for the Six Nations last year.

He is down the international pecking order with Dan Biggar, Callum Sheedy and Jarrod Evans the current options for Wayne Pivac.

Gareth Anscombe and Rhys Patchell are on the comeback trail from injuries, Rhys Priestland is returning to Wales from Bath and Sam Costelow is leading the next generation of fly-halves.

Pivac has been in touch with Davies and the Dragons man intends to be a contender in the countdown to the 2023 World Cup.

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“I spoke to him in the autumn but then I got injured going into the derbies, which are the most important games for selection,” said Davies, who suffered a calf problem.

“He told me what he wanted but that that injury just killed me and I couldn’t build on my performance in the win in Glasgow.

“You have to be playing regularly and you have to be playing well to get a look-in for that Wales squad.

“With an eye to the future, I'd like to think that I am in a good spot physically and it's about taking this Dragons team to higher places. If I get recognition off the back of that, brilliant.”