Sam Davies' season in France has ended in heartbreak after his Grenoble side failed to defeat Montpellier. The eight-cap Wales international has enjoyed a spectacular first season in the French second division, Pro D2. A string of tremendous performances from the fly-half spurred on the team to a huge semi-final win against Provence Rugby, where George North will play next season.
Davies knocked over penalties and drop-goals in that game to seal a dramatic match 23-22. Facing them in the final were Vannes, who had just defeated AS Beziers Herault 27-21 in the other semi. If they won this match, they'd automatically qualify for the Top 14.
However, it was heartache at that hurdle for Davies, with the team losing 16-9 - but did he kick all nine points. READ MORE: Wales legend Mike Phillips reveals 'disastrous' foray into new sport READ MORE: The best pictures from Wales' training camp ahead of South Africa as new man beaming There was one more opportunity for the team, however. In French club rugby, if you finish second-last place in the Top 14, you have to play an 'access match' against the losing finalist of the Pro D2 to keep your place in France's elite division.
Montpellier were 13th in the season just gone, so they had to play Davies' Grenoble. Despite a valiant effort from the Pro D2 outfit, who were leading 18-14 at half-time, two penalty kicks from France international Louis Carbonel ensured that Montpellier won the match and stayed in the Top 14. In the wake of this d.