Jonathan Davies Wins Top Welsh Award At Celtic Manor

dai-sport journalist Terry Phillips attended the Wales Sport Awards evening at Celtic Manor. He looks at award winners.

Wales and Scarlets rugby union player Jonathan Davies is BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year 2017.

Davies was unable to attend the event because of a serious foot injury, but said during a video interview: “I’m still laid up in plaster and apologise for being unable to be at the Wales Sport Awards.

“This means a lot to me. There have been a lot of great achievements in Welsh sport this year.

“I’m extremely grateful.”

Davies, 29, was player of the series as the 2017 British and Irish Lions drew against New Zealand in June.

Results of the vote were revealed in Newport where BBC Cymru Wales and Sport Wales celebrated Welsh sporting success.

Jonathan Davies was named Welsh Sports Personality of the Year and his trophy was collected by parents, Mike and Julie.
Photo: Pradip Kotecha
©Sportingwales

Davies’ regional club Scarlets earned success in the Pro12, beating Leinster in Ireland in the semi-finals and played Munster.

He was one of six tries scorers for Scarlets in their 46-22 win against Munster in the final.

The centre played every minute of the three Tests against All Blacks as the Lions secured a draw in which Davies was outstanding in defence and attack.

Davies is currently out by an injury suffered in the opening November international against Australia that could keep him out for six months.

Davies beat footballer Gareth Bale, cyclist Elinor Barker, para-athlete Aled Sion Davies, judoka Natalie Powell and cyclist Geraint Thomas to the Sports Personality of the Year title.

Former Great Britain athlete and Wales rugby union wing Nigel Walker chaired the judging panel and he was joined Brian Davies, Sarah Thomas, Steve James and Nathan Blake joining chair Walker.

Cardiff Devils won the BBC Sport Wales Team of the Year award. Captain Jake Morissette (left) and star centre Joey Martin are pictured with the award.
Photo: Pradip Kotecha
©Sportingwales

Hannah Nolan of Llandudno won the Inspiring Young Person of the Year award, while Us Girls won the Sporting Experience of the Year prize.

Caernarfon fell runner Mike Blake was named Unsung Hero and will now represent Wales in the UK final, which will be announced during BBC Sports Personality of the Year on BBC One on December 17 (6.45pm).

Lawrence Conway, Chair of Sport Wales, said: “We received a record number of inspiring nominations for this year’s awards and to the finalists showcase the passion and hard work going on in the communities here in Wales.

“I am proud of all the volunteers, coaches, leaders and organisations who are helping to build a more active and healthier nation, and it was a real honour to see them recognised as the true heroes of Welsh sport.

“Their achievements will no doubt encourage others across the country to get engaged in the community and help shape their Welsh sport of the future.”

Coverage of the Wales Sport Awards 2017 are available on BBC iPlayer for the next 30 days and will also be shown on the BBC Red Button at 5.30pm on Saturday.