Jonathan Davies quitting the BBC after Six Nations: Welsh icon, 64, announces he's hanging up the mic after 30 years

Wales great Jonathan Davies has revealed he will leave the BBC following next year's Six Nations, ending a 30-year stint with the broadcaster.

Davies, 64, has served as a pundit and co-commentator for the BBC since retiring back in 1997 following a playing career which saw him represent Wales in both international rugby union and rugby league.

Announcing his departure from the broadcaster in an interview with the Telegraph, Davies insisted he had taken the decision to step away from the role.

'It's just time,' Davies said. 'I'm going to make the next Six Nations my last, finishing up in Rome for Italy v Wales.'

'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.'

Wales icon Jonathan Davies has confirmed he will step down from his role at the BBC after next year's Six Nations

Davies said he had been asked 'hundreds of times' to sign a photo of him grinning after Wales thrashed England 30-3 in the Six Nations back in 2013. Source: BBC

During his playing career, Davies won 37 caps for Wales as a fly half and also made nine appearances for his nation in rugby league.

Davies received rugby league's Man of Steel award in 1994 and captained Great Britain.

He initially worked alongside the late BBC commentator Bill McLaren, who he credited with giving him 'a few simple lessons' to help ease his transition to becoming a co-commentator.

Davies, who has broadcast for the BBC in both the English and Welsh language, has faced criticism over apparent bias to Wales during commentary.

Davies was once notably seen grinning on a broadcast in 2013 after Wales thrashed England 30-3, with Sir Clive Woodward and Jeremy Guscott looking shocked following the result.

'I've signed that picture so many times, I'm talking hundreds,' Davies said.

'The English had come down sure they were going to win to lift the Grand Slam and they got thumped. The lads were mortified, but when I came into picture I was laughing.

'It actually wasn't at the result – although that was funny – but over the shoulder of the cameraman I could see an old mate who was being daft and celebrating wildly. It's what it's all about.

'It's not war, it's sport and although I know how much it means, there should be moments of light-heartedness.'