Commonwealth Games Wales announce Gareth Davies as new Chair

Director of Rugby World Cup Gareth Davies has been appointed as Chair for Team Wales at Commonwealth Games Wales.

Gareth will succeed Helen Phillips as Chair immediately following her term of office coming to a close.

Gareth will lead the Commonwealth Games Wales Board into the Commonwealth Youth Games this summer in Trinidad and Tobago and the Commonwealth Games in Victoria, 2026.

The former Chair of the Wales Rugby Union has a wealth of successful leadership experience at the highest level, including his current role as Director of Rugby World cup, University Dean in Leeds, Head of International Business Wales for the Welsh Government in Australia and New Zealand, Commissioning Editor for S4C and Head of Sport at BBC Wales.

His career has been heavily influenced by sport, with an impressive CV including domestic and international success in Rugby, having played for Cardiff RFC, earned 21 caps for Wales and toured with the British and Irish Lions in South Africa, 1980.

Following his appointment as the new Chair, Gareth Davies said “I am delighted to be taking up the role of CGW Chair – in our efforts to have a successful and memorable Youth Games this summer in Trinidad and Tobago and the 2026 Games in Victoria, Australia. I am aware of the great work done in recent years by my predecessor Helen Phillips and I am determined to build on that success”

Outgoing Chair of Commonwealth Games Wales, Helen Phillips MBE said ‘We were overwhelmed with the level of interests in the role of Chair. It has been an absolute honour to Chair this great organisation since 2014 supported by tremendous board. I am delighted to be handing over the board leadership to Gareth. Gareth is respected and admired for his contribution across sport for decades, an experienced chair who will immediately impact on the new strategy being created and further enhance the excellent work in relation to Sports Governance we have driven.

I know Gareth’s passion for Commonwealth Games will further elevate our ambitions and critically, ensure our athletes have the very best chance to shine when representing our great nation.”