**Gethin Jones Steps Into Pivotal Sporting Role as Team Wales’ Chef de Mission for the 2026 Commonwealth Games**
Welsh television personality Gethin Jones, who’s long been a familiar face on the BBC’s *Morning Live*, is set for a transformative new challenge—this time outside the studio and into the heart of international sport. Jones has announced his appointment as Chef de Mission for Team Wales at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which are due to take place in Glasgow from 23 July to 2 August 2026.
Jones, who has delighted daytime television audiences for decades, has always maintained a strong connection to sport. Whether backing his beloved Everton FC, embracing the passion of Welsh rugby, or celebrating Olympic moments, he has rarely shied away from sharing his enthusiasm for athletics. Now, this passion is turning into a major leadership opportunity during one of the world’s most high-profile sporting competitions.
Taking to social media, Jones shared his pride and excitement over his new role. “I am beyond proud to share that I have been appointed ‘Chef de Mission’ for Team Wales for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Mae’n anrhydedd enfawr. And no… I won’t be the designated team cook!” Jones confirmed, referencing the title’s common mistranslation. In sporting circles, ‘Chef de Mission’ denotes the individual responsible for leading and representing a nation’s team at major multi-sport events, ensuring the welfare of athletes and staff while providing a public voice.
This appointment marks a significant progression from Jones’s earlier involvement with Team Wales. At the 2018 Commonwealth Games held on Australia’s Gold Coast, Jones acted as the team’s Attaché—a role he describes as one of the highlights of his professional life. Inspired by this experience, he subsequently pursued academic studies in High Performance, Governance, Leadership, and Culture, equipping himself further for high-stakes sporting environments.
It’s not the television presenter’s first brush with international competition at the highest level. Jones’s CV features work with organisations such as the NFL, Welsh Rugby Union, Rugby League World Cup, as well as deep involvement in both the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic Games. These experiences, he says, have given him unique insights into supporting elite athletes and preparing teams for world-class performance.
“As Chef de Mission for Team Wales, I will be representing our incredible athletes and supporting every sport as we prepare for and compete in Glasgow,” Jones stated. He added, “I could not be more excited for what’s ahead. Four hundred days to go!”
The announcement sparked enthusiastic responses from within Welsh sport. Team Wales posted their own welcome, highlighting Jones’s deep bonds with Welsh athletic culture and his prior experience with the team. “Gethin is no stranger to the world of elite sport or to Team Wales. With experience at past Games and a real passion for Welsh sport, he’s ready to support and guide the team on and off the field,” their statement read.
Gareth Davies, Chair of Commonwealth Games Wales, underscored the importance of the Chef de Mission role. “This position is integral to shaping the team’s culture and values, both internally among athletes and support staff, and in how we present ourselves to the public. We are thrilled that Gethin applied for the job—it’s testament to his commitment and professionalism. We look forward to working with him in these crucial months leading up to the Games.”
As Glasgow prepares to welcome athletes from across the Commonwealth for the second time, all eyes will be on Team Wales and their new leader. For Gethin Jones, this role is both a professional milestone and an opportunity to support Welsh talent on the world stage—a role, arguably, for which his career across sport and television has uniquely prepared him.
The anticipation now builds, with Jones at the helm and the countdown to the Games officially underway.