Rhys Priestland can be Bath 'number one' fly-half, says Davies

Fly-half Rhys Priestland has won 32 caps for Wales

Rhys Priestland would not be going to Bath unless he believes he can be their first choice fly-half, says Wales dual code great Jonathan Davies.

Wales fly-half Priestland, 27, will quit Scarlets when his contract expires at the end of the season and join Bath after the 2015 World Cup.

England fly-half George Ford, 21, is the current first-choice 10 at the Rec.

"I think he's got enough self-belief that he wants to go there and he thinks he can be number one," Davies said.

"I can't imagine him going there wanting to play second fiddle.

"They are spending a lot of money and they're getting stronger and stronger every year.

"With a good pack in front of him we've seen what he can do and he can open up defences.

"So it'll be a big test for him but he'll have opportunities and if he's playing the best he will get his spot."

Davies understands Priestland's desire to experience a new environment, with the Carmarthen product having played for Scarlets all his professional career.

But Davies is unsure whether the move to England will jeopardise 32-cap Priestland's international career under Wales coach Warren Gatland.

Ospreys fly-half Dan Biggar is the current Wales first-choice 10, while Wales-qualified New Zealander Gareth Anscombe has also been impressing at stand-off for Cardiff Blues.

"The other factor is the 'Gatland Law' and can he play for Wales, has he got release from his contract on international weekends, has he spoken to Gatland?" Davies said.

"This year now it could affect the Six Nations, because Biggar is number one, Anscombe is playing well and he's got to be in the frame otherwise they wouldn't have brought him over.

"So do they play Priestland in the Six Nations as a second string, do they play Anscombe purely looking forward to the World Cup in September?"