Former Welsh rugby enforcer Chris Jones has been awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List, following a remarkable transformation that saw him discover faith and devote himself to changing the lives of young people. The ex-front rower, 67, freely admits he had a “terrible” reputation during his playing days, receiving not one but two lifetime bans from the sport and earning notoriety as one of Welsh rugby’s most controversial figures.

However, his life took a dramatic turn in 1990 when he became a born-again Christian, marking a pivotal moment in his journey. Since then, he has spent more than 30 years with Rhondda Schools Rugby, helping to transform the lives of hundreds of youngsters in the region through rugby and mentorship. Since taking up the position in 1993, Jones has guided Rhondda’s under-15s team to 10 Dewar Shield victories and witnessed over 50 of his players progress to represent Wales at various youth levels, including 13 full internationals and even some British and Irish Lions.

The profoundly positive influence Jones has had on not only rugby, but the entire Rhondda community, has now been acknowledged in the latest New Year Honours list, leaving the much-loved coach overwhelmed by the recognition.

“I’m really, really honoured,” he told WalesOnline, dedicating his MBE to those he has worked alongside. “I am thankful to the Lord Jesus Christ for changing my life and making this all possible.

“This award is not about me, it is about all the youngsters I’ve coached up in the Rhondda valley over the last 32 years. The good ones, the naughty ones, the internationals and the British and Irish Lions, and the ones who just managed to get a focus in life and stay out of trouble. It’s for all of them, and it has been a real pleasure.”

Among the talents to emerge from the Rhondda Schools system under Jones’s guidance are current Wales internationals Tomos Williams, Keiron Assiratti and Cam Winnett, with more promising players expected to follow.

“The pinnacle for these youngsters is to play in the Dewar Shield, which is the oldest schoolboy rugby trophy in the world, probably the biggest as well,” he explained.

“We’ve had quite a bit of success over the last 30 years, winning the shield ten times for the under-15 side, and we’ve had a lot of players go on to play international rugby. I believe there is a huge amount of talent in Wales.”

Whilst Jones has previously acknowledged having a ‘wild man’ reputation during his playing days, those times are well behind him. The former hooker now dedicates himself wholeheartedly to his faith and supporting others.

Nevertheless, he recognises that his past experiences can prove valuable today, as he works to guide the youngsters under his care towards the right path.

“I really believe that Jesus Christ, my Lord and saviour, helped me to change my life,” Jones added. “My past does help in certain situations, because I am able to say to some of the boys and girls that I have been where they are, and it’s not good, there is a better way to live. Discipline is a big part of what we instil.”

Jones shares his place on the New Year Honours list with dual-code legend Jonathan ‘Jiffy’ Davies, who has been bestowed with a CBE, as well as England Women’s head coach John Mitchell and Rugby World Cup victors Marlie Packer, Zoe Aldcroft, Megan Jones, Ellie Kildunne and Sadia Kebaya.