Legendary BBC commentator quits after 30 years with broadcaster but admits ‘this is my decision’

AN ICONIC rugby commentator is set to hang up his BBC microphone after a 30-year career with the broadcaster.

Jonathan Davies, 64, has been a mainstay of BBC rugby coverage since calling time on his playing days in 1997.

Rugby pundit and former Wales international Jonathan Davies looking on during a match. — BBC rugby commentator Jonathan Davies is set to step away from the broadcaster after the Six Nations

BBC Sport interview microphones lined up on a surface. — Davies has been with the BBC for almost 30 years

The former fly-half is set to call his 30th and final Six Nations Championship for the network early next year, after revealing to the Telegraph that he aims to bring his glittering career there to an end after the tournament.

But the star is adamant that the decision is entirely his own, wanting to end his time with the broadcaster on his own terms.

He explained: “It’s just time, 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.”

Before stepping behind a mic Davies – known to many as ‘Jiffy’ – played both Union and League for Wales.

He enjoyed time with Neath, Llanelli and Cardiff Union clubs in his home nation, as well as League spells in England and Australia.

And he wasted no time making his move into commentary, being thrown in the deep end alongside the legendary “voice of rugby” Bill McLaren.

Davies continued: “When I retired from playing the BBC took a chance on me and threw me in with Bill. I mean, what a legend.

Jonathon Davies and his Welsh teammates look dejected as they leave the Arms Park pitch following a defeat. — Davies represented Wales in both Rugby League and Union

“I would sit there in awe when he’d come up with stuff such as ‘like a runaway giraffe’ or ‘he’s like a demented ferret up a wee drainpipe’ or ‘he’s like Bambi on speed’. None of that was scripted.

“He gave me a few simple lessons. Be informative, but tell it plainly, remember you are talking to people on their couch who might not understand what happened and why.

“He also told me that when he had to look down at his notepad and update the score or something: ‘Just blather on until I’ve finished.’”

Now Davies is finished with the BBC, but will still be gracing the screen on his Welsh-language rugby talk show ‘Jonathan’.

NINTCHDBPICT000001030166 — He also played at club level in Wales, England and Australia

Former Welsh player and BBC commentator Jonathan Davies holding a microphone. — Davies also hosts a Welsh-language chat show