PLAYMAKER Sam Davies has committed to the Dragons for the coming season after the entire squad agreed to pay cuts.

In August it was announced that the Rodney Parade region had negotiated with Dean Ryan’s squad to reduce salaries by 25 per cent for the next 12 months because of the financial hit from the coronavirus pandemic.

The fine details had to be sorted out with individuals and it was reported that influential fly-half Davies was considering leaving after a season to accept a bigger offer from English clubs.

The 26-year-old, who moved from the Ospreys last summer, denied that he was on the move after captaining the Dragons on his return to the Liberty Stadium.

South Wales Argus: STAYING: Dragons fly-half Sam DaviesSTAYING: Dragons fly-half Sam Davies

“I am extremely happy here,” he said. “There is an ongoing process at the moment but, like I said, I am extremely happy here and I am enjoying my rugby.

“There is no reason to leave and I am looking forward to what the future holds with the Dragons.”

Davies – along with the rest of the squad – has now completed the new paperwork to commit for 2020/21.

“Dragons Rugby has completed all negotiations with its playing squad regarding salaries,” read a statement.

“The region announced last month that a resolution was in place with its players and, to meet the financial challenges of next season, they had agreed amended terms to their contract and a 25 per cent reduction in salary over the next 12 months.

“Dragons Rugby is pleased to confirm it is has now finished the implementation process of the pay agreement with all its players.

“The region is now clear to fully focus on the upcoming European Challenge Cup quarter-final with Bristol Bears and the challenge of the 2020/21 season.”

South Wales Argus:

Davies has signed up for next season but director of rugby Ryan will soon have to start negotiations over a longer deal with the fly-half, who is likely to be in demand.

His contract expires next summer and Wales boss Wayne Pivac could hold the key to him staying at Rodney Parade.

Davies earned a recall for the Wales squad last season, playing in the uncapped fixture against the Barbarians and then getting a late call-up for the Six Nations.

Even with Gareth Anscombe still injured, he is currently behind Dan Biggar, Jarrod Evans and Rhys Patchell in the pecking order and would have to put his Test career on hold if he played outside Wales.

“I don’t want to make my decision too early but I still have ambitions to play for Wales and I am extremely happy at the moment,” said Davies in August. “We are building something special and we will see what unfolds.”

The Dragons are back in training at their Ystrad Mynach training base ahead of their quarter-final clash in Bristol next Friday. They are unaffected by the Caerphilly lockdown as it is a place of work.