Bye Tokyo, hi Noosa: Why former Wallaby joins Dolphins
A former Australian and Super Rugby speedster has turned his back on the Tokyo Olympics to lace up for the Noosa Dolphins in the new year. Here is why.
Sunshine Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sunshine Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A desire to settle down and give back will see a former Australian and Super Rugby speedster lace up for the Noosa Dolphins in the new year.
After a 13-year professional rugby career, Rod Davies has moved to Peregian Springs and was quick to connect with the 2020 champion Noosa A-grade outfit.
Dolphins embrace fresh approach to maintain dominance
MEGA GALLERY: All the action from rugby union deciders
The 31-year-old winger is poised to be a massive asset for the side, boasting 58 Reds caps, 50 Biarritz caps, a Wallabies debut and plenty of game time for Australia in Rugby Sevens.
He was a key part of the Reds' Super Rugby title triumph in 2011.
Most recently, he played for West Harbour Pirates in the Shute Shield competition in New South Wales.
He was set to chase an Olympic campaign with Australia's Sevens but has decided to call it a day on his professional career.
"I'd always planned to come up and live on the Sunshine Coast and get back to Queensland and I always wanted to have a run around in the local comp," he said.
"(Taking part in the Tokyo Olympics) was the plan but with it being pushed back a year probably put a damper on things.
"I would've needed to do another pre-season with Sevens and to go through that all again would've taken a huge toll on my body and I wasn't prepared to do that again.
"So, I just thought it was the right time to come back up here with the family - I've got three kids now - and start the next chapter of my life."
Davies said he already had family in the region and even knew a few people at the club from his days at school in Ipswich.
He was eager to share his wealth of knowledge to teammates and the club.
"Rugby has given me everything," he said.
"I played professionally for 12 or 13 years so if I can give a little bit back to rugby and get out there and play and maybe give a bit of knowledge that I know to a few of the younger guys (that would be great)."
Davies was well aware of the Dolphins' history of dominance on the Coast competition and was eager to help them go snare "back-to-back" premierships.
Pre-season is yet to start, but Davies has already met a few players and toured the club's facilities.
"It's a strong club," he said.
"Obviously, they've probably won the most comps up here on the Sunny Coast and it's an awesome facility they've got there now with the new gym.
"So, I'm excited to get down there and have a run around with the boys."
It won't be just him hitting the field either, with Davies keen for his son Chace to join up in the U6s.
"I want my kids to grow up in that kind of community feel," he said.
Along with Davies, the Dolphins will also welcome a new coach in 2021, with Matt Buckland taking over from Mick Phelan after he called it a day immediately following Noosa's premiership glory in late October.
Cottage earmarked for destruction to make way for 15 homes
A two-bedroom cottage on a prime site in Noosa could be demolished to make way for a luxury housing development, with plans to be considered by the region’s council.
Men injured, one arrested after alleged hinterland group fight
Police are investigating after they were called to a reported brawl at a Sunshine Coast hinterland venue that left two men injured and another assisting officers.