Scrum-half Liam Davies is a former Wales U21 and Scarlets player

Ospreys have signed former Wales Under-21 scrum-half Liam Davies from French side Brive on a one-year deal.

The 23-year-old left the Scarlets last year to join the French top-flight club but has now returned to Wales.

Davies will contest the number nine shirt with Lion star Mike Phillips, Jamie Nutbrown, Rhodri Wells and Rhys Webb when he recovers from injury.

"There's real competition here and there are no guarantees but I'm looking forward to the challenge," Davies said.

"It's a great move for me and I'm really looking forward to being part of what I hope will be a successful season as an Osprey.

"When I had the chance to sign I jumped at it, there's a great set-up and good coaches, it's just a fantastic organisation to be part of.

"I'm a completely different person to the one who went to France last year, I've benefited massively from the experience.

606: DEBATE Decent signing I agree. Should never have lost Tavis Knoyle though, that lad is the future Wales 9 I reckon hjumpshoe

"When you make that move then you have to grow up quickly, but I think I adapted well.

"Playing in France was a great experience. It's arguably the toughest league in the world, packed with great players and there is no hiding place out there.

"Going to places like Stade Francais, Biarritz and Clermont Auvergne to play is a fantastic experience and really helps to take you to the next level.

"I played more than half of Brive's games in the T14 so I'd say I more than held my own."

Ospreys elite performance director Andrew Hore is delighted to have signed Davies.

"With Mike Phillips not reporting back for duty until next month having been on the Lions tour... and Rhys Webb on the long term injured list following knee surgery, it leaves just with just two other front line scum halves in Jamie Nutbrown and Rhodri Wells," Hore said.

"This signing is an important one that provides us with additional cover in a crucial position.

"Following on from Ross Davies and Barry Davies, he is the third Welsh player that we have brought back to Wales this summer who were previously playing their rugby outside of the country."

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