Conrad Anderson of Chester

What a player JD was in the world of rugby, I am a rugby league fan and I know for a fact he is well respected in both codes.

I remember supporting Warrington and he played full back against Leeds and scored an individual try. He had blistering pace and he would run everyone ragged.

One of his most memorable tries was that GB try at Wembley against Australia in 1994. He ran out side Brett Mullins, and he was another player with pace.

As a commentator he demonstrates his passion for the game. I remember his commentary when Wales played Australia in the 2000 rugby league world cup semi final, what a commentary and his recent commentary of the 2008 rugby league challenge cup fifth round tie against St. Helens v Warrington when Kevin Penny ran the length of the pitch. Great bloke and I for one respect him.

Allen Davies, Abergavenny
Easily the best comentator in the world.
Sun Jan 18 11:32:18 2009

Chris DIXON Christchurch New Zealand

As a Kiwi, and All Black fanatic I remember when the Welsh came to New Zealand in the 80s. I was so impressed with the style and manner in which Jonathan played that I convinced my wife to name our first son after this very mercurial rugby player. So on the 26th May 1987, Jonathan Peter Dixon was born at Christchurch Women's Hospital, NZ. Today he turns twenty-one years.

I am so pleased to have been able to leave a message on this site, first of expressing my thanks to Jonathan Davies in having lent his name in shaping my son in to the fine young man he is today. We will celebrate this birthday with family and friends on Saturday 31st May. The information on this site will enable me to pass on a little more about the man....Incidently Jonathan Dixon has a strong passion for the game of rugby, and when he finishes University next year he aims to travel and play the game as he moves about. Who knows he may find his way to the Valleys.

VAUGHAN

You will guess from my name that my dad was from the Valleys. A miner at 13 and lecturer at Leeds Uni when he retired. He loved talking to Gareth Price in our local sweet shop and often Lewis Jones, my hero, would come in for a chat. I saw 'Jiffy' Davies break a Leeds man's heart many a time but hold no grudges and was responsible for the following letter published in the Times after last year's Leeds success at Old Trafford.

"If Jonathan Davies isn't the greatest rugby commentator ever, I want to know who is. Summarising for last Saturday's fantastic match, he came out with this: 'Brilliant try - they go the short side - the extra man - inside runner - Wellens is there - stands him up - thank you very much - good night - brilliant try!' Of course, the speed of the game means that loquaciousness is cut to the bone, but to say so much in time to the play in 26 words, is genius. What is clear too is how much he loves the game. The fantastic match in question, of course, was the one played between St Helens and Leeds and the game Davies loves is Rugby League. It is a mystery why anyone would rather watch the other code, with players rolling round on the floor when not kicking for goal."

Best wishes Jiffy and, yes, when you went past Brett Mullins at Wembley, it was one of the best tries I have ever seen!
Mon Feb 25 10:36:22 2008

Raymond Goldstrong. Huddersfield.

Jonathan was truly a great rugby player of both codes, and whilst I can appreciate your warm feelings to him, speaking as near family, friends and neighbours, not everyone in Wales shared that view all of the time. But, then again, Welsh Rugby Union's loss was English Rugby League's gain. And we are very grateful for that.

Jonathan was, to some extent, pressured out of Welsh rugby by copping an unnecessary amount of flak after the poor Welsh performances on the 1988 tour to New Zealand. The timing of Widnes' approach to Jonathan to, as you euphemistically call it "move up North", was perfect. Jonathan took a little bit of time to fit into the more robust patterns of rugby league - much like so many, many other great Welsh Rugby Union players did when they decided to embrace our great game of rugby league - but master it he did, what a player.

When I first heard that he had turned 'professional' - sorry, I can't help being sarcastic when I write that, I think that means paying tax on you declared earnings - my first thoughts were that he would never make it. He's too small, too frail and he'll never adapt to rugby league (mind you, I said that about David Watkins MBE as well and you tell me who holds the World record for the highest number of goal kicks in a season - 221, yes that's right 221, in a single season, and I saw practically every one of them when he transferred from Welsh RU to sign for Salford RLFC - 494 points in that season I think, almost beating the still record haul of Lewis Jones of around 500 points, another great Welshman) so I have never been so happy to have been proven wrong.

You have your memories of Jonathan and I also have mine. And not too many surpass the comment passed by Ian Lewis, when he referred to the try that Jonathan scored when playing for Great Britain against the Aussies at Wembley - second to none.

Looking through the comments that have been posted so far, and the general reprise of Jonathan's playing career, I get the distinct feeling that, somehow, there has been an attempt to 'airbrush out' his rugby league career! Please don't, because he brought so much pleasure to millions. Not only to people 'oop north', but to fans of his rugby talent all over the country, dare I say, the world.

The amount of rugby talent that has been grown and fertilised in the Welsh valleys is legendary, and so much of that talent has migrated, through various avenues, to Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cumbria, and I haven't even touched on Billy Boston, Gus Risman, Billy Watkins, Eifion Davies, Emlyn Jenkins, Dai Moses, Maurice Richards, Colin Dixon, Billy Williams, Willie Thomas, Evan Thomas, Bevan, Moriarty etc, these are global stars of rugby.

And finally let me say, that Jonathan Davies deserves all his accolades, and his MBE for services to rugby, both codes remember, and I wish him well for the future. And I cannot resist a final, final comment uttered by Jonathan when he appeared on "A Question of Sport" in 1995 after returning to Wales to play for Cardiff, and nurse his sick wife. He was asked, "What was the biggest change when you returned to play union?" He replied, "It's the first time I have been cold in 7 years. I was never cold playing Rugby League!".

williams
After the Italy v Wales match today, isn't it time that an ex-player of Jonathan Davies' stature and ability to analyse the game should be more closely involved with the running of the Welsh national team for the next season. In my opinion, the WRU are very remiss in not enlisting his expertise.
Mon Mar 12 10:05:15 2007

Adrian, Davies, Cardiff
Nice to see my cousin doing so well, not the only family member that should have an MBE I also think his aunty should have one for all her hard work at Llandough Hospital.
Wed Feb 28 11:53:55 2007

Charlotte & Megan
An inspirational player.
We want to be just like him.
Jonathan Davies 4 eva lyk 2k7!
Thu Jan 18 11:23:31 2007

Iwan Richards
True great - I have watched all the great outside halves down the years but for me Jonny comes out on top for his all round game - speed, step, kicking, tactics and bravery. If Barry John or Phil Bennett had gone north would they have been a success?I think the answer is no because of their inability to tackle big men - that is why I belive JD was the greatest out of all of them.
Thu Dec 7 08:58:34 2006

Johnny Thomas now in lancashire
Jonathan Davies was a fantastic rugby player, so unpredictable and quick, his speed off the mark was incredible. How could an opponent know what he was going to do if Jonathan didn't even know? 'I was there' when Neath, 'Welsh champs' played Bath 'English champs', Jonathan skinned Barnes and Neath boys were awsome, never forget how good Lyn Jones was either.
Tue Oct 3 09:08:01 2006

Jacki Leverington, Sydenham London
I lived two doors away from Jonathan and his sister Caroline when I was born in 1963 until I was 5.

My mother Non was great friends with Diana, his mam. However I still came back to my mamgi's for holidays etc.

Many a day all of us kids would be playing rugby and the odd tackle in the Suburbs, getting into all scrapes and trouble. Unfortunately I have lost touch with both of them and would regularly write to caroline until she moved.

Have now changed my name to Rhiannon Ifans and would love to get in touch again with both.
Thu Apr 27 09:43:11 2006

Simon Elias Neath
Followed him from his early days when playing for Neath right through his league days and then back to union.I can honestly say he had everything as a outside half and it was a shame he played in a poor welsh team except in 88 when they won the triple crown.It makes me laugh to hear Stuart Barnes talk on SKY as if he was the greatest fly half ever seen but I witnessed JD destroy him and the 'invincible' Bath side on his own.It was just the start of a brilliant career that I had the honour of following.Its a shame that that he did not go into coaching because just listening to him on TV you can tell he knows the game inside out.JD for welsh coach along with Butler?Only Joking! (with Butler I mean)
Fri Mar 17 14:43:47 2006

Barry Williams Neath
Without doubt the finest rugby player I have ever watched live.Whatever code or country he played in he was the star,the man put bums on seats simple as that.He had it all pace,sidestep,brave in the tackle and became a great kicker in rugby league and then union.You can name all the other great welsh fly halfs but none of them would of done what Jonny done in league.'GENIUS'
Wed Mar 15 16:26:37 2006

Phillip Grant, Caerphilly
Without doubt one of the greatest fly halfs we have ever seen, been a great ambassador for the game, met him in Ireland what a lovely fella, had a few pints though ha. Played fly half myself but since the death of my father haven't bothered playing at all,was playing at county level, East Wales level and district level while in my youth years. Any chance of a masterclass with Jon?
Fri Oct 28 15:00:58 2005

Hattie Hill
I think Jonathon Davies is a great commentator and was a great rugby player as well.
Sat Aug 27 19:02:39 2005

John Carmarthen
I don't know Jonathan personally. I met Jon on one occasion when the ex Welsh team including Terry Holmes, JPR and co played against Tumble in Tumble. The most succesful rugby side ever I think it was in 1989-90 and Jonathan was a gentleman and a scholar and there are only a few words that can describe Jonathan. He was the {best player to pick up a rugby ball} ever and we will not see another Jonathan Davies. Pure class and an outstanding rugby player and reading Jonathan's life history it has not been a easy life. At a very young age Jonathan lost his dad and the bad luck again when his long time sweetheart passed away just before the end of his rugby career. In the job you are doing every thing you say is spot on about Welsh rugby. Keep it up, thanks to you Welsh rugby is on a high again cos people are taking note of what you are saying, good on you son.
Mon Jun 20 04:29:23 2005

Graham Davies
I was Lecturer in Decorating at Cardigan College and taught Jonathan when he did his City & Guilds there. I remember pointing out to him that his missed attendances were becoming noticeable and that sport was distracting him from getting a trade qualification. I didn't realise at the time how great his talent was, and was always greeted by that big grin and the twinkle in the eye. I'm so glad and proud that I can now say, "I taught Jonathan Davies all he knows"...adding as an afterthought, "...about decorating". Well done Jonathan, I am proud to have known you.
Graham Davies - Newport
Sat Feb 5 12:24:42 2005

Ian Lewis, Cardiff (formerly Gwendraeth Gram)
In my opinion, the best Welsh player across both rugby codes; whilst there have been many other Welshmen who successfully switched codes, Jon's abilities demonstrated at the highest level with Great Britain ( including THAT try against the Aussies) were second to none.
Wed Nov 24 01:01:46 2004