Rhys Priestland's decision to leave Wales the right one, says Jonathan Davies

The decision to leave Wales would have been a tough decision for Rhys Priestland, but he's made the right choice according to international team-mate and Sky Sports columnist Jonathan Davies...

I can’t believe Christmas is over and we’re already into the New Year.

Though we were still playing games around the festive period we did get a bit of time off and it was nice to head up to the mountain with a few of the guys and their families. Though we got a bit of snow I didn’t get to ski unfortunately. We aren’t allowed to do any skiing but I think it’s for the best in my case, based on how I used to struggle with it as a kid!

It was quite sad to miss out on spending time with the family over Christmas but I’m still really enjoying my time here in France with Clermont Auvergne, which makes a difference when you’re away from home.

At first there are all sorts of new customs and expressions to learn, and that goes with all the new structures you need to get to grips with at the club itself.

I can tell you that it’s not easy to see a guy struggle when early in his career he would swagger onto a field looking like anything was possible.

Over here they like to load the beginning of the week with the majority of your preparation for a game, which means things taper off quite nicely as you head towards the weekend. It’s difficult at the beginning of the week but it’s easier to cope with on Thursday and Friday.

One of the other things that’s a little easier to cope with over here in France is the comparatively less-frenzied attention from the media and general public.

In Wales there is always an intense focus on players and teams, and although that passionate love of the game is what makes Wales such a proud rugby nation, it can also be difficult for players and coaches to deal with when things aren’t going quite as well.

Struggled

I spoke to my friend Rhys Priestland recently about his move to Bath, which was announced earlier this week. In 2011 he was the golden boy of Welsh rugby; he couldn’t put a foot wrong. Then just a few years later there seems to be some sort of agenda about him and I don’t understand why.

By his own high standards he will admit he’s had some poor performances, but any player you speak to will tell you about the times they’ve struggled with form.

Mathieu Bastareaud recently broke down when facing the media and discussing his own loss of form for Toulon. That gives you an indication of the type of pressure that players place on themselves to deliver for their team, then you add the pressure from the fans and it can all start to cloud your game if you’re not careful.

As players we understand that we are incredibly lucky to do a job we love, but it is a job where you’re at the mercy of anyone who has paid a gate fee or bought the team jersey at the beginning of the season. You only have one or two bosses, but ultimately you’re accountable to thousands.

As a friend and team-mate of Rhys I was and remain quite close to him, so when people started booing him it was tough. I can tell you that it’s not easy to see a guy struggle when, early in his career, he would swagger onto a field looking like anything was possible.

Needless to say, the booing was disappointing to experience, and at times I’ve had to hold my tongue which is frustrating. If you have an issue with the team then feel free to voice it, but don’t boo your own players when they’re out there trying hard to justify their selection.

I think Rhys has made the right move by heading over to Bath. He’s going to be able to begin a new chapter in his rugby career and make a start away from all the fuss that’s been clouding his game. He came to the decision a few weeks ago and you can already tell that his game has improved since then with that pressure lifted off him.

From the perspective of his international ambitions it’s not ideal for him to be leaving Wales but you have to look at these things on a case-by-case basis.

As an individual this was the right move for him in my opinion. With a new start in the Premiership he has an opportunity to wipe the slate clean and hopefully let his rugby do the talking. I have no doubt he will go from strength to strength in his new home.