Welsh rugby legend Jonathan “Jiffy” Davies has been named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2026 New Year Honours, recognising his services to cancer charities and broadcasting.
The 63-year-old former Wales rugby union and rugby league international expressed pride at receiving the accolade, reflecting on his long career in sport and philanthropy.
“It means a lot, and I am very privileged and honoured to accept it,” said Davies, who was part of the iconic 1988 Five Nations Triple Crown-winning team.
Services to Cancer and Broadcasting
Originally from Trimsaran, Carmarthenshire, Davies has been a prominent broadcaster for 28 years, covering both rugby league and rugby union. He won 37 caps for Wales in rugby union and made nine appearances for Wales in rugby league during the 1980s and 1990s.
While Davies acknowledged the honour for broadcasting, he said the recognition for his work with cancer charities was particularly meaningful. As president of the Velindre Cancer Centre, he has helped raise over £50 million through fundraising events such as charity bike rides. He plans a new fundraising ride from Seville to Marbella in 2026.
Davies’ progression through the British honours system reflects his lifelong contributions:
- MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 1995 for services to rugby league.
- OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in 2015 for voluntary and charitable services to people with cancer.
- CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 2026 for combined services to broadcasting and cancer support.
Other Notable Welsh Honours
The 2026 list features 70 recipients from Wales, including:
- Jeff Edwards (OBE) – Survivor of the Aberfan disaster, honoured for services to survivors, charities, and the community in Aberfan. Edwards was one of 240 schoolchildren at Pantglas Junior School when a coal waste tip collapsed in 1966, claiming 116 children and 28 adults.
- Sue Flood (OBE) – Gwynedd-based wildlife photographer, filmmaker, and author, recognised for services to nature conservation and the natural world. Flood, working from Antarctica, cited Sir David Attenborough as her inspiration.
- Marcus Fair (MBE) – Founder of Eternal Media in Wrexham, providing recovery opportunities for people overcoming addiction and homelessness.
- Ffion Mitchell-Langford (BEM) – Recognised for services to the natural marine environment and community initiatives in north Wales.
- Prof Meena Upadhyaya (Damehood) – Indian-born Welsh medical geneticist and honorary Cardiff University professor, honoured for services to community cohesion and medical genetics.
Other Welsh recipients of OBEs include Prof Syed Saeed Ashraf, consultant cardiothoracic surgeon; Suzanne Griffiths, director of the national adoption service and foster Wales; and foster carer Esther Wilson from Powys.
Welsh Secretary’s Praise
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens praised the recipients, highlighting the positive impact of their work:
“The recipients have been commended for the wonderful work they do, improving the lives of others and making a difference to their communities, often giving their time for free, raising money for charity, or supporting vulnerable people. Their work has a huge impact on countless lives. I’d like to thank each and every one of them for their passion, dedication, and inspirational role.”
Key Takeaways
- Jonathan Davies awarded CBE for services to cancer charities and broadcasting.
- The 2026 New Year Honours list includes 70 Welsh recipients.
- Honourees recognised for contributions across sport, charity, medical genetics, environmental conservation, and community service.
- Other notable recipients: Jeff Edwards (OBE), Sue Flood (OBE), Marcus Fair (MBE), Ffion Mitchell-Langford (BEM), Prof Meena Upadhyaya (Damehood).
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