Former Wales international player James ‘Cubby’ Davies has played a crucial role in discovering rising star Ellis Mee in England. Mee, who recently made his Wales debut against Ireland, caught the attention of Davies while playing for Nottingham in the English second-tier rugby. Davies, now working as a recruitment and operations officer for Scarlets, noticed Mee’s Welsh qualification through his mother and believed he would be a valuable addition to the Welsh team, ultimately bringing him to the attention of head coach Dwayne Peel.
Mee’s journey to Test rugby has been nothing short of meteoric, with only eight senior competitive games for Scarlets under his belt before being named in Warren Gatland’s Six Nations squad. Despite not featuring in the initial rounds of the tournament, Mee’s impressive performances in training earned him a starting spot in the game against Ireland. His dynamic display on the field, with 14 carries, 67 metres gained, and five defenders beaten, left a lasting impression and almost resulted in a crucial try.
Peel praised Mee’s rugby acumen and skills, highlighting his ability to make sound decisions on the field coupled with exceptional athleticism. The 21-year-old’s debut performance not only impressed fans but also Wales legend Jamie Roberts, who commended Mee’s impact on the game. Winning his first cap in front of family and friends in Cardiff, Mee expressed his joy at representing Wales and described it as “the best feeling in the world.”
Peel’s foresight in recognising Mee’s potential has been evident, with the young player proving himself on the international stage. Roberts sees a bright future for Mee, along with fellow talents Blair Murray and Tom Rogers, forming a formidable Welsh back three for years to come. Mee’s rise from playing in England to shining on the Principality turf serves as a testament to his determination and skill, indicating that this is just the beginning of a promising career in Welsh rugby.
The support and guidance provided by Davies and the Scarlets coaching staff have been instrumental in Mee’s development and successful transition to the international arena. Moving forward, all eyes will be on Mee as he continues to make waves in Welsh rugby, cementing his position as a key player for the national team. With each opportunity he seizes, Mee’s impact on the field reinforces the belief that he is destined for greatness in the world of rugby.