PP - Tristan Davies

By Richie the Rhino
December 14 2003

Tristan Davies

	Nickname	TD
	Position	Centre
	Date of Birth	10/07/76
	Previous Club	Neath
	Height	6' 1"
	Tykes Debut	02/09/01
	Honours	Wales A Wales U21

Leeds Tykes started the 2002/03 season with a potential injury crisis looming in the centres. Japie Mulder was suffering from a career threatening condition, Jamie Mayer was still recovering from his long term leg injury, and Sean Woof had been shown the door. PD needed a man to step into the breach, and that man was Tristan Davies . . .

Tris made his Tykes debut on that wonderful late summers day in 2001, when the Tykes made their first appearance in the Zurich Premiership, a memorable one, by defeating one of the then premier clubs in England, Bath. It was a fantastic day that will live long in the memory, and all seemed set fair for Tris to make a big impact on the Zurich Premiership. But as the season progressed, Davies made many appearances, but struggled to command a regular starting position in the first 15, as his namesake Phil rang the changes in the backs in search of a winning combination. So Tristan was to spend much of the season in and out of the first 15, and on the bench.

But commeth the hour, commeth the man, and Tris has been a revelation in the centres this year. He has formed an excellent partnership with BVS, and has been an important link between BVS and the scorching pace the Tykes possess on the wings. He has excellent ball skills, strong in the tackle, and is capable of elusive running too. Any concerns about strength of depth in the centres have been eradicated.

Tris learnt his rugby in his native Wales at both Llanelli and Neath, and has also represented Wales at U21 and A levels. With Welsh rugby currently in the doldrums, and established internationals like Scott Gibbs and Mark Taylor showing poor form, it would be of no surprise to Tykes fans if the Welsh selectors were to glance up the M1 in their search for a new centre. On current form, further international recognition may be on the cards.

Finally, Mally reckons he's better looking in reality than in his photograph, and on questions of player aesthetics, she has the first, last, and only, word.

Last updated 01/10/03