Jamie Roberts: Student of the Game

It has been a whirlwind ride for Cardiff Blues player Jamie Roberts. In just two seasons the man from Newport has cemented his place in the Welsh team and become one of the most exciting centres in world rugby.

Every challenge has been greeted with consummate ease, whether it was representing his country or touring South Africa with the British and Irish Lions.

A confident and hulking presence, standing at 6ft 4in and weighing close to 17 stone, Roberts impressed Lions coach Sir Ian McGeechan to such an extent that at just 22 years of age he was named the Lions Player of the Series. His rise to prominence continued this year on Wales’ autumn tour of New Zealand as he took his tally to 24 caps.

Although Wales lost both Tests to New Zealand, Roberts emerged with his reputation enhanced, scoring his country’s first try against the All Blacks since 2006. Unfortunately a wrist injury sustained on tour and a subsequent operation has forced the centre to face a lengthy term on the sidelines.

“I am hoping to return to action in December but I don’t want to force it,” explains the 23-year-old. “I need to make sure it feels absolutely right before I come back. You always have little niggles so the time off has allowed me get rid of those long-standing problems.”

Roberts certainly knows about the healing process. Away from the rugby field his time is spent in lectures at Cardiff University where he is currently studying to become a doctor. Combining the two would be strenuous for most but the Blues star plays down this astonishing achievement.

“I am in my fourth year which I have had to split over two years. I am in paediatrics at the moment and then I have psych medicine the second half of the year. I am thoroughly enjoying it and within three years I will hopefully have graduated.

“There are always moments when I am struggling as trying to focus on work after training can be tough. The only downside is that my classmates are all graduating this year as I have had to extend the course. Still, it is definitely all worth it.”

Roberts is clearly a man with plenty of strings to his bow. Not only does he show an immense amount of dedication to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor but he has even helped former England number eight Martin Corry set up a new coaching based website called Ruckingball.com.

However, his immediate concern is recovering from injury. While many talk about a return to the national team, Roberts admits that for the moment, his sole focus is making sure that he is able to regain his place in the Cardiff Blues side.

“It has been a great honour to play for Wales but the bread and butter is still club rugby. Hopefully I can play well for the Blues when I return and can force my way back into the squad in time for the Six Nations. I will have to earn the right to wear the jersey again.”

Both Blues fans and Welsh rugby fans will be hoping that his return comes sooner rather than later. Having taken to International rugby with such ease it seems the modest centre has a big future ahead of him. With the World Cup fast approaching, fans and coaches would love to have the services of the versatile Roberts.

With New Zealand currently brushing aside the opposition it will be up to the All Blacks to maintain their dominance in a home World Cup. Roberts believes this is something they can achieve, even though they have perennially struggled to cope with the pressure of being favourites.

“Playing New Zealand is always special as they have such a great tradition and it is probably one of the biggest challenges you can face in rugby. They may feel some pressure playing at home but I still believe that they are the team to beat as they have proven over the last few months.”

With just under a year until the start of the 2011 World Cup, Roberts has plenty of time to rediscover the form that made him a stand out performer in New Zealand. As the All Blacks will testify, a fully fit Jamie Roberts is a thorn in any side.



Jamie Roberts is working alongside Martin Corry on www.ruckingball.com, the website that allows young players to get the right advice to become the best they can be.