Jamie Roberts facts for kids
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Birth name | Jamie Huw Roberts | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Date of birth | 8 November 1986 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Place of birth | Newport, Wales | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Height | 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Weight | 107 kg (16 st 12 lb; 236 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
School | Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf Ysgol Y Wern |
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University | Cardiff University University of Cambridge |
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Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Jamie Huw Roberts (born 8 November 1986) is a Welsh former professional rugby union player. He mostly played as a centre.
Jamie Roberts started his rugby journey in 2005. He played for several teams, including Cardiff RFC, Cardiff Blues, and Harlequins. He also played for Wales 94 times between 2008 and 2017. He was also part of the British & Irish Lions team on two tours. Jamie retired from professional rugby in 2022. After his rugby career, he became a qualified doctor.
Contents
Jamie Roberts' Rugby Journey
Starting Out in Rugby
Jamie Roberts played for Wales at different age levels, from Under-16 to Under-21. In 2005, he was part of the Under-21 team that won the Six Nations Grand Slam. He then played for Cardiff RFC for two seasons.
Playing for Cardiff Blues and Wales
In 2007, Jamie joined the Cardiff Blues. He made his first appearance against the Ospreys. His good performance led him to be chosen for the Wales squad.
First Wales Games
Jamie made his debut for Wales in the 2008 Six Nations. He played against Scotland. Wales won the tournament, achieving their second Grand Slam in four years.
Later in 2008, Jamie played for Wales in South Africa. He started as a fullback, then moved to inside centre. This became his main position for the rest of his career.
Big Games and Injuries
In late 2008, Jamie played in several international matches for Wales. He played in different centre positions. In a game against Australia, he suffered a fractured skull. This injury kept him out of the game for two months.
Return to Rugby and Lions Tour
Jamie returned to play for the Blues and was selected for the 2009 Six Nations. He won a "man of the match" award against Scotland. In April 2009, he was chosen for the British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa. This was a big achievement for him.
During the 2009 Lions tour, Jamie played very well. He scored two tries in a warm-up match. He was a key player in the first two test matches against South Africa. He formed a strong partnership with Brian O'Driscoll. Even though the Lions lost the series, Jamie was named the "Lions Player of the Series."
Challenges and Comebacks
After the Lions tour, Jamie took a break to recover. He faced new competition for his spot at the Blues. He also had some injuries, including an ankle and neck injury. Despite this, he helped the Blues win the Amlin Challenge Cup in 2010. This was the first time a Welsh team won a European trophy.
Playing for Wales Again
Jamie continued to play for Wales in the 2010 Six Nations. He formed a good partnership with James Hook. He also played in the summer tests against South Africa and New Zealand. He scored his second try for Wales against New Zealand.
Road to the Rugby World Cup
In 2010, Jamie had wrist surgery for an injury from the 2009 Lions tour. He recovered and returned to play in the 2011 Six Nations.
2011 Rugby World Cup
Jamie was part of the Wales squad for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. He played in several matches, including the quarter-final against Ireland. Wales reached the semi-finals for the first time since 1987. Jamie was praised for his strong performances during the tournament.
Grand Slam Success in 2012
In the 2012 Six Nations, Jamie played in all five games. Wales won their third Grand Slam in eight years. He scored a try against Italy.
More Success and New Teams
Jamie continued to be a key player for Wales. In the 2013 Six Nations, Wales won the championship. This included a big 30–3 win over England.
Second Lions Tour
Jamie was selected for his second Lions tour in 2013. He started in the final match against Australia. He scored a try, helping the Lions win the series 2–1.
Moving to France
In July 2013, Jamie moved to France to play for Racing Métro. He played there for two seasons.
More Wales Games
Jamie played in all five games of the 2014 Six Nations Championship. Wales won three matches, including a big 51–3 win over Scotland where Jamie scored two tries. He also played two summer tests against South Africa.
Later Rugby Career
Jamie played in the 2015 Rugby World Cup for Wales. After the World Cup, he studied at the University of Cambridge. This allowed him to play for Cambridge University rugby team.
In 2015, Jamie signed with Harlequins in England. He later played for Bath (2018-2020), the Stormers in South Africa (2020), and the Dragons back in Wales (2020-2021). His last team was the Waratahs in Australia in 2022, before he retired.
Life After Rugby
Jamie Roberts is now a qualified doctor. He studied medicine at Cardiff University School of Medicine while playing rugby. He also completed more medical degrees at Loughborough University and University of Cambridge. He plans to start working as a resident doctor in South Wales in 2025.
Awards and Honours
Awards
- 2007–08 Cardiff Blues Most Promising Player
- 2009 British & Irish Lions Player of The Series
- 2009 BBC Wales Sports Personality Award Third Place
Honours
Wales
- Six Nations: 2008, 2012, 2013
- Grand Slam: 2008, 2012
- Triple Crown: 2008, 2012
Cardiff Blues
- Anglo-Welsh Cup: 2008–09
- European Challenge Cup: 2009–10
Personal Life
Jamie Roberts and his wife Nicole had their first child in 2021. Jamie speaks Welsh fluently. He also supports ASH Wales, a charity that works against smoking.
See also
In Spanish: Jamie Roberts para niños