DRAGONS scrum-half Rhodri Davies is relishing the chance to test himself against one of Europe's best sides after swapping the bottom of the English Championship for life at Rodney Parade, writes Chris Kirwan.

Last season the livewire Wales 7s international was one of the bright sparks in a gloomy season for Rotherham, who suffered relegation from the second tier after winning just two of 22 games.

Former Scarlet Davies scored 10 tries and showed enough quality to be offered a return to Wales, a move that sees him lock horns with Clermont Auvergne tomorrow evening (kick-off 8pm).

The 27-year-old from Crymych in Pembrokeshire will be in the matchday squad to face the Top 14 leaders, who have already secured Pool One top spot and a home quarter-final.

Clermont boast a formidable squad and the Dragons know they will have to be on top form, even if the visitors opt to leave the likes of France and Scotland scrum-halves Morgan Parra and Greig Laidlaw at home.

"This is a massive test against a side top of the league in France but everyone is looking forward to it," said Davies.

"I can't wait to get into them on Friday to play against one of the best teams in Europe – it's a chance to express ourselves and enjoy it.

"Their squad means they have three teams that would be strong in Europe, so whoever they send over will be a massive test for us.

"All the boys want to put a good performance together and make a real statement, which would build for Munster and the rest of the season."

Davies has made just one appearance in the PRO14 – a 16-minute cameo against Edinburgh in November – and made three outings from the bench in the Challenge Cup before finally making his first start against Timisoara Saracens last Friday.

He has had to wait his turn behind fellow summer recruit Rhodri Williams and Tavis Knoyle, who has enjoyed a resurgence after an injury plagued 2017/18.

"I've been patient and had the start last weekend, I wanted to enjoy the whole experience and put in a decent performance," said Davies, who bagged a brace.

"I have had two good scrum-halves ahead of me in Rhods and Tav, we are all keeping each other on our toes and it's nice to have that competition.

"All of us are fit at the moment and I have had to be patient, train hard, keep my head down and get on with it.

"But I have really enjoyed it here, we are a tight-knit group and after losing Bernard (Jackman, former head coach), which was tough, we had to get even tighter and performances were much better over the derbies."