But one-cap Welsh international Davies is confident he can return better than ever this season.

He said: “It’s been the first major injury I’ve suffered, and I’ve been playing professional rugby for 10 years, so touch wood, in that respect I’ve got a pretty good history.

“I think a groin injury is a difficult one to deal with generally but I’m happy to be getting over it now and, hopefully, it will continue improving.

“I enjoy training and as I’ve got older I think I’ve learnt to appreciate being a rugby player more.

“I’ve been in some dark places over the last eight months with everything but I try to keep positive.

“It’s been a long process to get where I am now, but I’m definitely heading in the right direction.

“I’ve got a feeling that it’s going to be a good year for the Ospreys and I want to play a bigger part, make more of a contribution than I did last season.”