The Wales outside-half has described it as the worst pain he’s ever experienced

Sam Davies of Grenoble(Image: Getty Images)

Former Wales outside-half Sam Davies has revealed he has been suffering with an infection which left him struggling to move.

The 32-year-old is currently plying his trade for Grenoble in the French PRO D2 and has been sidelined for a lengthy period of time. And Davies has revealed he has been diagnosed with a Staphylococcus infection, which he believes was picked up when playing on a synthetic pitch at Provence.

Staphylococcus, often called “staph”, is a common type of bacteria that many people carry on their skin without any problems. But if it gets into the body through a cut or wound, it can cause infections that sometimes require treatment.

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The infection was so aggressive it spread to Davies’ adductors and eventually reached his bone.

“After a tough few months, my initial suspicion was confirmed: a Staphylococcus infection, likely picked up from the synthetic pitch in Provence, that spread to my adductors and eventually reached the bone,” said Davies on his Instagram page.

“It attacked my hip and adductor area so aggressively that I could barely move.

“The long delays in diagnosing it, repeated hospital stays, and lack of answers left me incredibly frustrated and angry.

“Coming off a hard-fought recovery from last year’s shoulder dislocation, having this happen on my first start back felt unbelievable.

“The infection-turned-injury cost me 6 kg and brought the worst pain I’ve ever experienced in my career.”

The former Ospreys and Dragons playmaker has been a massive hit in France.

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Davies has been the best outside-half in PRO D2, with Grenoble narrowly missing out on promotion to the Top 14 over the past two seasons.

Grenoble have missed Davies’ influence this season with the club stuck in ninth position.

“Missing most of the season and playing only two games so far has been extremely difficult — not something I’m used to,” he said on Instagram.

“Still, this challenge has only strengthened my motivation and determination to return to the pitch with my @fcgrugby brothers.

“Despite a tough season for the team both on and off the field, I’m confident this group will soon return to competing at the level we expect.

“I’m not sure exactly when I’ll be back, but when I am, I’ll be fully focused on the club’s objectives.

“I can’t wait to pull on this jersey again — it means so much to me — and represent the red and blue of Grenoble once more!”