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Davies: Powerful

July's edition of Rugby World magazine profiles Wales U-20 centre Jonathan Davies.

WITH A name like Jonathan Davies, this young centre has a lot to live up to.

But Wales U20s coach Patrick Horgan believes he has the makings of a future international ­ providing he gets more game time for Llanelli Scarlets.

"His main strength is his conditioning," says Horgan. "Hešs one of the most powerful players Išve ever come across.

"In terms of his scores in testing hešs probably more powerful in his conditioning than anyone in the Welsh set-up, including the seniors.

"Hešs also quick for a big man and has good skills. What he needs is a run of games at regional level to move his development on.

"He needs to play a full season and get 20 games under his belt at the highest level. Hešs ready and hešs got the physical capabilities."

Davies, who played in every game as Wales finished fourth in the U20s World Cup, attributes his conditioning to spending so much time in the gym when recovering from a torn ACL, an injury suffered at the U19s World Cup in Dubai in 2006.

"Looking back it was an opportunity to develop, to get ready for the standard of professional rugby," says the 20-year-old.

He was recruited to the Scarlets academy at 16 and last season started six games for the region. The next aim is a more regular first-team role ­ and the chance to form a partnership with Regan King.

"Itšs so easy to play with him, hešs world-class and a joy to play alongside," he added

"Therešs strong competition in the centre, but I want to push for a starting place and become a more established member in the squad."

Off the pitch, Davies enjoys taking his canoe out 'when the weatheršs nice', but given the usual Welsh forecasts that will not distract him from his rugby goals.

VERDICT: Regular rugby for the Scarlets will push him into the senior reckoning.