Davies was a short, tough prop forward, who was also known within rugby circles for his cheery demeanor and baritone singing voice.

In a bruising encounter, Davies bit the ear of French prop Jean Princlary in the scrum, after the Frenchman's continual harassment of Billy Gore, the Welsh hooker.

Davies was also picked to face the Australians for Wales, which saw the Welsh team win through two penalty goals from Bill Tamplin.

That year he was chosen for the British Lions tour of Australia and New Zealand, and although playing in only one test, he was a popular character who kept up team morale.

Davies played particularly well in the front row, but when he turned up from working down the mine he was unshaven and used his stubble against the South African prop, Jaap Bekker in the scrum.