Welsh Rugby Legend Gerald Davies Stunned by Knighthood Honor

Wales: Gerald Davies, the rugby legend, is feeling pretty amazed after being knighted in the King’s New Year’s Honours for 2025. At 79, he’s had a stellar career, playing 46 times for Wales and winning three Grand Slams. He also played for the Lions during their tours in 1968 and 1971.

Davies served as the President of the Welsh Rugby Union from 2019 until last year. Now, he’s been recognized for his contributions to rugby and his charitable work in Wales. He shared that he was completely taken aback by the honour, saying, “I feel very emotional about it.”

His former teammate, Alan Phillips, also received an MBE for his work in rugby and charity. Known as ‘Thumper’, Phillips scored an impressive 162 tries in 481 games for Cardiff and earned 18 caps for Wales. He was the Team Manager for Wales from 2002 to 2019, helping the team secure three Grand Slam victories.

Additionally, Andrew Vaughan John, chair of Aberavon RFC, has been awarded an MBE for his charity and business efforts. Other notable Welsh athletes recognized include Emma Finucane, who won three medals at the Olympics, and Paralympic shot putter Sabrina Fortune, who broke her own world record.