Welsh rugby great Gerald Davies admitted he was left “stunned” after receiving a knighthood in the New Year Honours.
The 79-year-old former Wales Lions and British and Irish Lions winger was recognized for his services to rugby union and his voluntary and charitable service to Wales.
Sir Gerald is one of a select group of Welsh players to have won three Grand Slam tournaments.
His devastating attacking play and try-scoring ability was highlighted by the fact he collected 20 touchdowns in 46 tests for his country during a glittering 12-year international career.
His performances have ranked him among Wales’ best players, taking his place alongside Gareth Edwards, Barry John and JPR Williams as a box office star.
He also appeared 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 rugby club played with Cardiff, Llanelli and London Welsh, and after his retirement he became a well-respected administrator in the sport.
He was manager of the Lions during the 2009 tour of South Africa, and he was also president of the Welsh Rugby Union between 2019 and 2023.
“It’s an incredible honour,” Sir Gerald told the PA news agency.
“I am touched and moved that someone, somewhere, felt it deserved to give me this honor.
“Bearing that in mind, you are always aware, in receiving an honor like this, of the enormous support you receive from your family – my wife Cilla and my children Emily and Ben.
“They are constantly at 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 insufficient to describe it.
“It comes out of nowhere. I was stunned in many ways, but you can’t do it alone.”
Sir Gerald was appointed CBE in 2003 and his work off the rugby field has also won him many admirers.
“I have supported charities in communities, and I have done so throughout my life. I think it’s important,” he added.
“I always thought I should be in the game.
“After the game was over, I always wanted to do something extra, not just as a player, but as an administrator for Wales, the Lions, the Barbarians.
“I’m not getting involved now in the serious way I’ve been right throughout my life. It’s nice and calm, and I like that, watching it from afar.
“Rugby will be part of my life forever.”