Welsh rugby legend Jonathan 'Jiffy' Davies has announced he will step down from his BBC commentary role after 30 years, bringing an end to an era for rugby supporters across Wales. The 64-year-old, one of the most recognisable voices in the sport, has confirmed that next year's Six Nations will be his last behind the microphone, with his final appearance coming when Wales take on Italy in Rome.
Davies insists the decision is entirely his own and that he has not been pushed towards retirement by BBC bosses, instead believing the time is right to bring the curtain down on a broadcasting career that began shortly after he retired from playing in 1997.
Decision to step back
Speaking in an interview with The Telegraph, Davies said: "It's just time. I'm going to make the next Six Nations my last, finishing up in Rome for Italy v Wales."
He added: "I have honestly not been told to head towards that door. This is my decision. I am rubbish with facts and stats, but I've been doing the Six Nations since it was Five and have enjoyed the ride. It's the moment to get out of the chair."
The announcement means the 2027 Six Nations will mark Davies' 30th championship as a broadcaster, having first joined the BBC when the competition was still the Five Nations. For generations of Welsh rugby supporters, his distinctive voice, reactions and passion for the national team have been synonymous with the championship.
Career highlights
Davies has become a fixture of the BBC's rugby coverage, working alongside some of the greatest commentators in the sport's history, including Bill McLaren, Eddie Butler and Andrew Cotter. Throughout his television career, Davies has never been afraid to show his Welsh allegiances.
One of his most famous broadcasting moments came following Wales' extraordinary 30-3 victory over England in the 2013 Six Nations, when he was pictured grinning alongside a distinctly miserable-looking Jeremy Guscott, Sir Clive Woodward and John Inverdale.
Future plans
Away from broadcasting, Davies remains deeply involved in Welsh rugby and has been a vocal critic of the Welsh Rugby Union amid the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the professional game. He has previously called for the WRU board to resign and reiterated his concerns about the direction of the sport in Wales.
Davies nevertheless expressed hope that new WRU chairman Lyndon Faulkner can help turn the situation around, revealing that the pair recently met for dinner. "It's a mess and, to my mind, plenty of it is their own causing," he told The Telegraph. "The regions in an Anglo-Welsh league is the best scenario, but let's see what can be done. Lyndon is no pushover, I can tell you that."
Despite stepping away from the BBC commentary box, Davies has no intention of disappearing from public life. He will continue presenting his Welsh-language television programme Jonathan on S4C and remains involved in charity fundraising, public speaking and other commitments.
Now living in Mumbles with his wife Jay, Davies is also looking forward to spending more time with his family, playing golf and enjoying life away from the demands of international rugby. But before then comes one final Six Nations campaign and what will likely be an emotional farewell in Rome.
