by Wales Rugby Great Gerald Davies has admitted he was “Dumbstruck” after receiving a knighthood in the New Year Honours.
The 79-year-old former Wales and British and Irish Lions alumnus was recognized for services to Rugby Union and voluntary and charitable service to Wales.
Sir Gerald is one of a select group of Welsh players to win three Grand Slams.
His devastating attacking play and scoring ability were highlighted by him collecting 20 touchdowns in 46 Tests for his country during a stellar 12-year international career.
His performances have ranked him among Wales’ best players, taking a place alongside Gareth Edwards, Barry John and JPR Williams as a box office star.
He also featured in five tests for the Lions, including all four on the 1971 tour of New Zealand which remains the Lions’ only test series triumph against the All Blacks.
His club rugby played with Cardiff, Llanelli and London Welsh, and after his retirement he became a well-respected administrator in the sport.
He was director of the Lions for the 2009 tour of South Africa, and he also served as Welsh rugby president between 2019 and 2023.
“It’s an incredible honour,” Sir Gerald told the PA news agency.
“I am humbled by this and moved by the thought that someone, somewhere thought it worthy to give me this honor.
“With that in mind, you are always aware of getting an honor like this from the enormous support you get from your family – my wife Cilla and children Emily and Ben.
“They are constantly by my side to support me over the years. This is not something you achieve entirely on your own.
“I thank those who have encouraged me over the years, the generosity and kindness of friends, colleagues and countless others.
“I feel very emotional about it. I’m surprised. Words are really quite inadequate to describe it.
“He comes out of the blue. I was amazed in many ways, but you don’t achieve these things on your own. “
Sir Gerald was appointed CBE in 2003, and his work on the rugby field has also won him many admirers.
“I have supported charities in communities and have done so throughout my life. I think it’s important,” he added.
“I always believed I should be in the game.
“Once the game, playing in terms of the game, I always wanted to do something on top of that, not just as a player, but as an administrator for Wales, the Lions, the Barbarians .
“I’m not involved now in the serious way that I’ve been right throughout my life. It’s nice and quiet, and I like it that way, watching it from a distance.
“Rugby will be part of my life forever.”
