Get the latest Welsh rugby news sent straight to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Scarlets coach Wayne Pivac has confirmed flanker James Davies has been spoken to about the possibility of linking up with the Team GB sevens squad for the Olympics this summer.

Davies was previously a sevens specialist with Wales before starring with the Scarlets over the last couple of seasons in the 15-a-man game.

The uncapped openside flanker could still be selected by Warren Gatland for the summer tour of New Zealand, especially following the news Justin Tipuric will be ruled out of facing the All Blacks in June because of concussion.

Tipuric was another name touted for the sevens side but he has now been ruled out.

The Scarlets are Davies’ employers so they would have a huge say on his participation in Rio and Pivac is keeping an open mind.

“He he has been spoken to, I believe,” said Pivac.

“James and I have had a chat around it and it’s about the bigger picture with his career.

“He has to make a decision whether he wants to be a sevens player or a 15s.

“When you have made the 15s Wales side and you get a phone call it’s easier to make that call.

Comment:

Related:The five young and exciting candidates to replace Justin Tipuric in the Wales squad for New Zealand tour

“But when you are striving for the 15s, and once every four years there is an Olympics, James is in a different position than someone who is playing regular Test match rugby.

“All countries are going through the same process and back home in New Zealand, Sonny Bill Williams has committed to sevens.

“Those boys have been playing that game for a period of time. So I would have thought if you were going to be playing sevens for Team GB you would be up and running by now but that’s not the case.

“It won’t impact on us in terms of the clash of dates because the Olympics will be over before our season starts.

“It might affect the build-up to pre-season but we would have to manage him in terms of his workload.”

(Image: David Jones/Getty Images)

Related:George North and Luke Charteris to discover Gatland's Law fate as top stars face prospect of being left out by Wales

On his ability as a Sevens player, Pivac added: “He has played sevens and been successful before his boost up into the 15s.

“He is a player who would do very well at sevens. There is a lot more opportunity at the breakdowns in terms of less numbers.

“He is quick and can run the ball and makes line breaks and is a very good defender.

“So to me he is the ultimate sevens player.

“There is also though the potential of selection with the 15s and we need to be mindful of where he is physically.

“It’s nice to have possibilities on the horizon but we have to manage the players as well.

“All those facts have to be managed in and he also has to be selected in either side before he has a decision to make.”

(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)

Related:New twist in Lyn Jones saga as claims emerge Dragons boss was at Harlequins while off ill

Following Tipuric’s injury, Davies is also vying for a place on the summer tour of New Zealand with the likes of Cardiff Blues duo Ellis Jenkins and Josh Navidi and Wasps emerging sensation Thomas Young.

“James was disappointing last week against the Blues but up until that he had been very good,” added Pivac.

“He was disappointed with his performance and will be looking for a big game this week.

“He’s a good player as we know so we expect him to bounce back.

“He has played very well at this level but has not been tested at the upper level.

“That is a decision for the Wales selectors and they will be aware of his qualities.

“When you select a player you are looking at the strengths and weaknesses of individuals but also the combination as well.

“They will have a view of a mix of what they want and it will be an interesting decision to see what way they go.”

Related:Welsh rugby's Judgement Day to break attendance record, with 60,000 target set to be smashed