Jonathan Davies has announced he will retire from BBC rugby broadcasting and punditry after the 2027 Six Nations, ending a career with the corporation that has spanned nearly 30 years. The former dual-code Wales international confirmed the forthcoming tournament will be his last.
A Storied Playing Career
Davies, known as "Jiffy," first made his mark as an elusive, goal-kicking union fly-half for Neath and Llanelli. He made his Wales debut in 1985 and was the creative spark behind the team's 1988 Triple Crown triumph. A year later, he switched to rugby league with Widnes, where he claimed the 1989 World Club Challenge.
He subsequently played for Warrington, earning a Man of Steel award in 1994 and captaining both Wales and Great Britain in the 13-man game. Davies returned to union to finish his playing days with Cardiff RFC, collecting 37 union caps for Wales and captaining his nation in both codes.
Transition to Broadcasting
In 1997, the BBC brought Davies into the commentary box and studio. He has covered both rugby union and rugby league for the BBC in English and Welsh. Since 2004, he has hosted the Welsh-language rugby chat show Jonathan on S4C.
Speaking about the decision, the 64-year-old told The Telegraph: "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."
Charitable Work and Honours
Davies has raised funds for Cardiff's Velindre Cancer Centre for decades through sponsored bike rides, treks and numerous events. He lost his first wife, Karen, to cancer in 1997. In 1995, he was awarded an MBE for services to rugby league, upgraded to OBE in 2015 for charitable services to people with cancer, and elevated to CBE in this year's New Year Honours for services to broadcasting and to people with cancer.
He added: "The first meant a lot, but obviously the last two are more important. Those honours were for the whole team at Velindre who are fantastic and helped my family no end."
Reflecting on his career, Davies said: "But rugby, whichever code, always comes together and that's what I love about sport. It's given me so much, but yes, it is time to hang the mic up next to those boots."
