Jamie Roberts
Encyclopedia
Jamie Roberts is a Welsh
international rugby union
footballer currently playing for Cardiff Blues
in the RaboDirect Pro12. He also plays for the Wales
and the British and Irish lions
.
Roberts' position of choice is as a centre.
. He played eleven times and scored five tries. In the 2006–07 season, he picked up a shoulder injury but recovered to play 17 times and score 10 tries for his amateur club.
, Roberts called up to play for the Cardiff Blues
, making his debut against the Ospreys. The Blues won 17–15 in the first Magners League match to have a video referee. In the next two matches against the Dragons
and Glasgow Warriors
, he scored three tries, one against the former and two against the latter. This form led to continual selection for the Blues
and led to selection in the Welsh squad
for the Six Nations
.
, Roberts was left out of the lineup. But Roberts made his debut against Scotland
the next week. Starting on the wing, Roberts impressed with his hard running as Wales triumphed 30–15.
He seemed to have booked his place in the team for the rest of the tournament. But Roberts was left out for the next match against Italy
, with Mark Jones beating him to the number 14 jersey. He remained in that position for the rest of the tournament. Wales claimed their second grand slam in four years.
. Due to an injury to Lee Byrne
, Roberts started the match at full back. Despite Wales putting in a disappointing display, Roberts collected his first test try. He was replaced by Morgan Stoddart
, who gifted two tries due to missed tackles. Wales lost the match 43–17. Roberts was again selected the following week, but in an unfamiliar position of inside centre. He had never played in that position before. Wales lost 37–21 with two infringements by Roberts leading to points for the South Africans. Wales lost the series 2–0, Roberts would stay in this position throughout his career.
coach Dai Young
gave Roberts a chance in the position and he was named in the Welsh squad for the Autumn Internationals
. For the first match against The Springboks
, Roberts was selected at outside centre in a fourth new position for Wales in as many tests. He would be moved to inside centre as Gavin Henson
pulled out with an injury and Tom Shanklin
moved to outside centre. Wales lost the game 20–15., with Roberts having a quiet game on his 22nd birthday. Roberts was then named on the bench for the match against The Canucks
. Wales won 34–13 with Roberts appearing as substitute., Roberts then returned for the match with The All Blacks. He played a better role in this with his crash ball getting over the gainline more. Wales lost the game though 29–9. He was once again selected at inside centre for the match against Australia
, but Roberts collided with Aussie skipper Stirling Mortlock
in the second minute of the game. Mortlock was immediately replaced but Roberts initially played on and was crucial in the build-up to Shane Williams
' opening Wales try but the 22-year-old was later replaced by Andrew Bishop
in the 18th minute. Wales finally claimed a victory over a southern hemisphere team, winning 21–18. After the game Roberts was rushed in to hospital with a suspected fractured skull. This was later confirmed and he would be out for two months.
group stage. Roberts was then selected in the Welsh squad
for the 2009 Six Nations Tournament
. For the opening match against The Scots
, Roberts was once again selected to play outside centre for the first time with Gavin Henson
inside him, but Henson pulled out with another injury. Roberts played an instrumental game, winning a man of the match award in the 26–13 win. He was again selected for the match against England
. This time he was better marshalled with England flanker Joe Worsley
man marking him for the entire game as Wales won 23–15. Roberts played again at 12 for the game against France
. This time he was kept quiet and was replaced midway through the second half by Gavin Henson. Wales lost 21–15. For the third time, Roberts was selected at outside centre with Gavin Henson, and he finally played with him. But the combination didn't go as well as it was tipped to be with Roberts barely touching the ball the whole match. Wales won 20–15 but not by the amount they were hoping for, as they were looking to increase their points difference for the final round. Roberts was put on the bench for the tournament decider against Ireland
. He came on just before halftime as Lee Byrne
was injured. Roberts failed to match Brian O'Driscoll
, who scored a try, as Ireland claimed victory 17–15 to win the Grand Slam for the first time in 61 years.
with a crushing 50–12 win over Gloucester
. On 21 April 2009, Roberts was named as a member of the British and Irish Lions
for the 2009 tour to South Africa. He was one of six Blues
selected.
The Blues also made it into the Heineken Cup
semi-finals thanks to a win over Toulouse
. But they lost in a penalty shoot-out against Leicester Tigers
after the match was drawn 26–26. Roberts scored a try and set up another try.
Before the tour, Roberts was in contention for the inside centre role. Roberts was selected to play in the opening match of the tour of the Royal XV. He was partnered by young Keith Earls
in the centre. Despite a dour display from the Lions, Roberts held his own in the altitude and along with Lee Byrne
and Tommy Bowe
made an early claim for the test spot in the 37–25 win. In the same game, Flutey came on but picked up an injury ruling him out for a week and a half. This meant that Roberts was selected once again for the match against the Golden Lions
, this time partnered with Brian O'Driscoll
. He scored two tries and made several breaks in a man of the match, which gave the selectors thoughts about a test partnership with O'Driscoll as the Lions won 74–10. He was then left out of the next game against the Free State Cheetahs
, as the Lions scraped victory 26–24. Roberts was once again selected in the centre with O'Driscoll for the next match against the Natal Sharks
. There were also signs of concerns as he hurt his shoulder and had to have strapped at the end but coach Ian McGeechan
played down any injury worries, saying that it was just bruising. The Lions won 39–3.Riki Flutey
was then given his first start against the Western Province
, but failed to impress. This removed any possibility of him appaearing on the test instead of Roberts.
Roberts, as expected, was named in the centre with O'Driscoll for the first test match in Durban. The Lions lost the first test narrowly 26–21, despite outscoring them three tries to two. In the game Roberts released his partner to set up the first try for Tom Croft
. He made a tandem tackle with O'Driscoll on winger JP Pietersen
, knocking him back 20 metres. However, his performance was not enough for the Lions to win despite a late comeback. His partnership with O'Driscoll was touted as one of the best Lions' centre partnerships ever.
Roberts was selected again with O'Driscoll in the centre for the match at Loftus Versfeld. This was significant for Roberts because it was where he had played his first test in the centre (and also his first ever match at centre). He had a quieter game and never missed a tackle. But it wasn't enough for the Lions as they went down 28–25 to last minute Morne Steyn
penalty from 53 metres out. This gave the Springboks
an unassailable 2–0 lead in the series, to give them revenge for the 1997 defeat
that the Boks had suffered to the Lions. They also outscored the Lions three tries to one with JP Pietersen
, Bryan Habana
and Jacque Fourie all scoring. Rob Kearney
scored the Lions try. Roberts was taken off in 69th minute due to a sprained wrist and replaced by Ronan O'Gara
. This proved costly as O'Gara missed a tackle which led to Fourie's try and conceded the penalty which Steyn kicked. Roberts wasn't the only one to pick up an injury. Props Gethin Jenkins
(broken cheekbone), Adam Jones
(dislocated shoulder) and centre partner Brian O'Driscoll
(concussion) all picking up injuries. This led to uncontested scrums, which favoured the Springboks as they were being destroyed. This is what many believed to be the difference.
This next day, coach Ian McGeechan
announced that both props Jenkins and Jones would miss the final test and Roberts and O'Driscoll were major doubts. The following Monday, it was announced that O'Driscoll would be flying home but Roberts along with Tommy Bowe
, would most likely play in the final test. But when the team was announced, Roberts' place was taken by Riki Flutey
with Tommy Bowe
in the outside centre. They said that he hadn't quite recovered. The Lions would go on to win 28–9 in the final test against a new look Springbok team, but the series was still lost 2–1. Roberts was selected as the Lions Player of the Series.
said that it was a good thing. This was coming from his personal experience from being injured after being rushed back into rugby from the tour. Roberts would return to regional training with the Blues
in late September or early October. And despite having become a well known figure on the Lions tour, Roberts would also face stiff competition for a centre spot from new signings Casey Laulala
and Gavin Evans
alongside Dafydd Hewitt
, who was returning from a long term injury. The Blues lost their opening two matches to Edinburgh and Munster
, with Roberts being rested. He then returned for the match with Connacht
but only lasted till halftime with an ankle injury forcing him off. The Blues lost again 18–16. The following Monday, Roberts was cleared to play in the game against the Scarlets
in the first Welsh derby of the season. But he was once again forced off before halftime, this time with a neck injury. The Blues claimed their first victory of the season 19–15. But Roberts would be ruled out for ten days with the neck injury meaning he would miss the game against Glasgow Warriors
, which the Blues would lose 21–5. Having lost 4 of the 5 games going into the Heineken Cup opener against Harlequins, Roberts returned to partner Tom Shanklin
in the centre. The Blues claimed a 20–6 victory. Roberts set up the opening try for Tom James
, as well as getting over the gainline, and also booting a 70 metre kick before halftime. The Blues then took on the Sale Sharks
the following week. They lost 27–26 in a close game. Next up was the Ospreys in the biggest attendance at their new stadium. Roberts and Tom Shanklin were very good in defence. The Welsh squad
was named the next day, with Roberts included.
, he was retained at 12 partnering Tom Shanklin
in the centre with Hook averting to full back. Wales
ended up losing 19–12 in a thrilling encounter. The centre partnership with Shanklin lacked creativity meaning Roberts was expected to move 13 with Hook coming in at 12. For the game against Samoa
, the partnership was retained with Hook remaining at full back. Roberts had a quiet game and Samoa pushed Wales all the way and nearly repeated the shock victories of the 1991
and 1999 Rugby World Cup's
. But Wales held out for a 17–13 victory. Once again creativity was lacking until Tom Shanklin
was replaced by Jonathan Davies. This was seen as the probable partnership for the game against Argentina
although some were calling for James Hook
to come in at 12 after making several breaks. On the Monday before the match, it was revealed that Tom Shanklin
had broken his nose and would therefore miss the game against the Pumas. With Gatland keen to keep Hook at full back, Jonathan Davies was brought in, incidentally at 12, with Roberts shifting to outside centre for the second time in the red jersey. This was to give Roberts extra space to make the hard yards. Wales claimed victory by 33–16. Roberts was then named in the Barbarians squad along with two other Cardiff Blues
players Andy Powell
and Leigh Halfpenny
. But attention wasn't on that for the moment as he was put under the spotlight and was told to have a big game in the final match of the series against Australia
. Once again Roberts was selected at 13 with Davies at 12 despite Shanklin returning from injury. Roberts was the only player to make any headway as Wales were crushed 33–12 in their worst performance in Warren Gatland
's reign. Roberts was then given a start for the Barbarians match against the All Blacks with Jaque Fourie
partnering him in the centre. It would be seen as a chance to redeem himself after a disappointing international series. Roberts was finally given the chance to prove his worth with an instrumental performance as the Baa-baas claimed only their second ever win over the New Zealand by 25 points to 18. Roberts made breaks and combined superbly. This proved the critics that he wasn't lacking form but that Wales needed someone to give the opportunity to shine.
in Cardiff. The Blues won 15–9 in a lacklustre match. In another lacklustre match, Toulouse claimed a 23–7 win, a blow to the Blues' quarter final hopes. He then played in the 42–13 win over rivals the Dragons. He also picked up a shoulder injury in this match and would miss the second derby match against the Ospreys. The understrength Blues were hammered 26–0. On January 5, 2010, Roberts signed a new contract with the Blues that would keep him at the region until at least 2013. After playing well in Blues 36–19 win over Sale Sharks
, the Blues faced the probability of being knocked out of the Heineken Cup. And if they did not get a result against Harlequins, they would be knocked out of Europe altogether, and not be included in the European Challenge Cup
. Roberts was also facing competition for his Welsh jersey, with James Hook
and Andrew Bishop
forming an excellent centre partnership at the Ospreys. But the Blues ended their Heineken Cup on a high note by beating Harlequins, 45–20, with Roberts hitting back at the critics with two tries, his first of the season. And although they were knocked out of the Heineken Cup, they did qualify for the Challenge Cup, by finishing second in their group.
, Andrew Bishop
and Jonathan Davies all looking capable of doing a good job. There was also a dilemma over Lee Byrne
, who was set to be banned for the England game, meaning Hook would play at full back again, even though the Welsh public were demanding for him to be played in the centre position. Lee Byrne successfully overturned his ban and Roberts and Hook were selected in the centres with Roberts returning to his natural position of 12, having played two games at his less favoured position of 13 in the autumn.
Roberts and Hook combined well, and Hook scored a superb induvidual try but they did not get enough of the ball as Wales lost 30–17, despite a strong fight back. They were again paired together for the match against Scotland
. Roberts had an excellent game making several breaks. Wales were not as impressive but completed a comeback to defeat the Scots 31–24, having been 24–14 down with five minutes to go. The backline for Scotland was retained in the following match against France
, the second ever Friday night Six Nations match. Roberts and Hook managed to combine very well throughout the match but could not capitalise on their opportunities. France ended up winning 26–20 despite an excellent Welsh comeback, after scoring two interception tries in the first half to go up 20–0. Roberts played again against Ireland against Brian O'Driscoll
, the man he partnered in the centre for the Lions. Ireland claimed a convincing victory 27–12. Once again, Roberts and Hook played in the centres in the final match against Italy
. Wales won 33–10 with the pair combining well as Hook scored two tries. Gatland said after the match, that despite the two playing well, it would take possibly up to 12 months for them to become a great centre partnership.
in the Amlin Challenge Cup. The Blues romped home to win 55–20 with Roberts claiming a try. He then produced a man of the match display against the Scarlets
in the Magners League, scoring two tries and setting up another in a comfortable 39–16 win over the west Wales region. This ended the Scarlets hopes of a spot in the Heineken Cup. Roberts then played in the 20–14 win over the Dragons at Rodney Parade
. Next came London Wasps
in the Amlin Challenge Cup semi final. The Blues claimed victory to move into the final against Toulon on 23 May. But before this, he played in the 13–12 victory over Munster, scoring a try. Next came the Amlin Final. The Blues claimed a victory by 28 points to 21, becoming the first Welsh team to win silverware in Europe. Roberts scored a try and caused trouble for the Toulon midfield defence.
on June 5. It looked as if he would partner Andrew Bishop
with James Hook
take the tour off as he headed for shoulder surgery. But Hook delayed it by a week to play the Springboks and partnered Roberts for the sixth time in a row. In a decent match, Wales lost 31–34. Roberts had a great game combining excellently with Hook, getting over gainline a lot and putting in some decent tackles. This was not enough as Wales were outmuscled at the breakdown. Roberts was then partnered with Andrew Bishop
in the centre for the first test against the All Blacks
. Roberts was once again in defence, and made some breaks but it was again in vain as Wales were outmuscled by New Zealand going down 42–9 in the final ever test in Carisbrook
. Roberts was taken off in the 69th minute with a shoulder injury but was deemed fine to play in the next test. His centre partner Bishop however picked up a hand injury, ruling him out of the next test. He was replaced by Jonathan Davies who played in the number 13 jersey. Wales lost the second test 29–10 but put in a slightly improved display. Roberts had another decent game once again putting in brutal tackles, making loads of tackle busts and breaks and got his 2nd test try as reward, Wales' first test try since 2006 against the All Blacks. He could have had another one but was held up over the line.
.
He later stated that he hoped to knock the return date down by a month or two.
On 6 December, Roberts was cleared to play in the Heineken Cup matches against Northampton Saints
, a few weeks earlier than expected. Roberts tweeted, '"Just had my appointment with the wrist surgeon. I walked out feeling like a kid at Christmas. Return to the playing field imminent."
Davies then returned for the match against Ireland, with Roberts going back to 13. Wales claimed victory by 19 to 13, after a controversial try by Mike Phillips. The win kept Wales' championship hopes alive going into their final game against France. He was once again selected in a retained cetntre pairing but Wales were crushed by France 28-9, to end championship hopes and finish fourth.
at Twickenham, partnering Jonathan Davies in the centres to win his 30th Welsh cap. A Welsh team lost 23-19 to England with Roberts having a strong game. Roberts was then selected for the return fixture against England. He once again had a strong game running and tackling but picked up a yellow card for repeated ruck infringements. Wales claimed a 19-9 win - a huge confidence boost for the world cup. Roberts then started against Argentina
, the final warm-up game which Wales won comfortably 28-13. The following Monday he was included in the Welsh squad to travel to New Zealand for the 2011 Rugby World Cup
.
which Wales won 17-10. Roberts was not selected for the match with the Namibians
. But he returned for the match against Fiji
, where he scored two tries, in a 66-0 win against the Pacific Island team. Wales would then face Ireland
in the first quarter final with Roberts face up to old Lions centre partner Brian O'Driscoll
. Wales won 22-10 to move into the semi finals for the first time since 1987.
2009 British & Irish Lions Player of The Series
2009 BBC Wales Sports Personality Award Third Place
, and is currently studying medicine
at Cardiff University
. Roberts is also a patron for the anti-smoking pressure group and charity
ASH
Wales
.
In November 2009, Roberts announced his involvement in RuckingBall.com, an online community for the development of school-boy rugby, coaches and parents.
Roberts is known by many of his rugby playing friends as Quagmire. This was firstly brought to light by Brian O'Driscoll in a Scrum 5 interview.
Wales
Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²...
international rugby union
Rugby union
Rugby union, often simply referred to as rugby, is a full contact team sport which originated in England in the early 19th century. One of the two codes of rugby football, it is based on running with the ball in hand...
footballer currently playing for Cardiff Blues
Cardiff Blues
Cardiff Blues are one of the four professional Welsh regional rugby union teams. Based in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, the team have played at Cardiff City Stadium since the start of the 2009/2010 season and are owned by Cardiff Rugby Football Club....
in the RaboDirect Pro12. He also plays for the Wales
Wales national rugby union team
The Wales national rugby union team represent Wales in international rugby union tournaments. They compete annually in the Six Nations Championship with England, France, Ireland, Italy and Scotland. Wales have won the Six Nations and its predecessors 24 times outright, second only to England with...
and the British and Irish lions
British and Irish Lions
The British and Irish Lions is a rugby union team made up of players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales...
.
Roberts' position of choice is as a centre.
Early career
Roberts represented Wales at all levels between Under 16s and Under 19s, and once again for the Under 21s. He was part of the Under 21s team which won the Six Nations Grand Slam in 2005. During the 2005–06 season, he represented Cardiff RFCCardiff RFC
Cardiff Rugby Football Club is a rugby union football club based in Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. The club was founded in 1876 and played their first few matches at Sophia Gardens, but soon relocated to Cardiff Arms Park where they have been based ever since...
. He played eleven times and scored five tries. In the 2006–07 season, he picked up a shoulder injury but recovered to play 17 times and score 10 tries for his amateur club.
Rise In Cardiff Blues Ranks
With players away at the 2007 Rugby World Cup2007 Rugby World Cup
The 2007 Rugby World Cup was the sixth Rugby World Cup, a quadrennial international rugby union competition inaugurated in 1987. Twenty nations competed for the Webb Ellis Cup in the tournament, which was hosted by France from 7 September to 20 October. France won the hosting rights in 2003,...
, Roberts called up to play for the Cardiff Blues
Cardiff Blues
Cardiff Blues are one of the four professional Welsh regional rugby union teams. Based in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, the team have played at Cardiff City Stadium since the start of the 2009/2010 season and are owned by Cardiff Rugby Football Club....
, making his debut against the Ospreys. The Blues won 17–15 in the first Magners League match to have a video referee. In the next two matches against the Dragons
Newport Gwent Dragons
Newport Gwent Dragons are one of the four professional Rugby Union regional teams in Wales. They are jointly owned by Newport RFC and the Welsh Rugby Union and play all their home games at Rodney Parade, Newport. They play in the RaboDirect Pro12, the Anglo-Welsh Cup and the Heineken Cup...
and Glasgow Warriors
Glasgow Warriors
The Glasgow Warriors, formerly Glasgow Rugby, are one of two professional rugby union teams in Scotland, Edinburgh being the other. They play in the RaboDirect Pro12 and their home ground is Firhill Stadium, also the home of Partick Thistle Football Club.-History:Glasgow Rugby were created to...
, he scored three tries, one against the former and two against the latter. This form led to continual selection for the Blues
Cardiff Blues
Cardiff Blues are one of the four professional Welsh regional rugby union teams. Based in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, the team have played at Cardiff City Stadium since the start of the 2009/2010 season and are owned by Cardiff Rugby Football Club....
and led to selection in the Welsh squad
Wales national rugby union team
The Wales national rugby union team represent Wales in international rugby union tournaments. They compete annually in the Six Nations Championship with England, France, Ireland, Italy and Scotland. Wales have won the Six Nations and its predecessors 24 times outright, second only to England with...
for the Six Nations
2008 Six Nations Championship
The 2008 Six Nations Championship, known as the 2008 RBS 6 Nations because of the tournament's sponsorship by the Royal Bank of Scotland, was the ninth series of the rugby union Six Nations Championship. Including the previous incarnations as the Home Nations and Five Nations, this was the 114th...
.
2008 Six Nations
Although he was widely tipped to start the first match against EnglandEngland national rugby union team
The England national rugby union team represents England in rugby union. They compete in the annual Six Nations Championship with France, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, and Wales. They have won this championship on 26 occasions, 12 times winning the Grand Slam, making them the most successful team in...
, Roberts was left out of the lineup. But Roberts made his debut against Scotland
Scotland national rugby union team
The Scotland national rugby union team represent Scotland in international rugby union. Rugby union in Scotland is administered by the Scottish Rugby Union. The Scotland rugby union team is currently ranked eighth in the IRB World Rankings as of 19 September 2011...
the next week. Starting on the wing, Roberts impressed with his hard running as Wales triumphed 30–15.
He seemed to have booked his place in the team for the rest of the tournament. But Roberts was left out for the next match against Italy
Italy national rugby union team
The Italy national rugby union team represent the nation of Italy in the sport of rugby union. The team is also known as the Azzurri . Italy have been playing international rugby since the late 1920s, and since 2000 compete annually in the Six Nations Championship with England, France, Ireland,...
, with Mark Jones beating him to the number 14 jersey. He remained in that position for the rest of the tournament. Wales claimed their second grand slam in four years.
2008 Summer Tour Of South Africa
Roberts was included in the squad for the summer tour test series in South AfricaSouth Africa national rugby union team
The South African national rugby union team are 2009 British and Irish Lions Series winners. They are currently ranked as the fourth best team in the IRB World Rankings and were named 2008 World Team of the Year at the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards.Although South Africa was instrumental...
. Due to an injury to Lee Byrne
Lee Byrne
Lee Martin Byrne is a Welsh international rugby union rugby player, who plays for ASM Clermont Auvergne in the Top 14 and Heineken Cup...
, Roberts started the match at full back. Despite Wales putting in a disappointing display, Roberts collected his first test try. He was replaced by Morgan Stoddart
Morgan Stoddart
Morgan Lloyd Stoddart is a Welsh international rugby union player. His usual position is at fullback.He currently plays for Welsh regional side the Scarlets and plays international rugby for Wales.- Treorchy RFC :...
, who gifted two tries due to missed tackles. Wales lost the match 43–17. Roberts was again selected the following week, but in an unfamiliar position of inside centre. He had never played in that position before. Wales lost 37–21 with two infringements by Roberts leading to points for the South Africans. Wales lost the series 2–0, Roberts would stay in this position throughout his career.
2008 Autumn Tests
After the game against South Africa, BluesCardiff Blues
Cardiff Blues are one of the four professional Welsh regional rugby union teams. Based in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, the team have played at Cardiff City Stadium since the start of the 2009/2010 season and are owned by Cardiff Rugby Football Club....
coach Dai Young
Dai Young
David "Dai" Young is a Welsh former rugby union and rugby league player, presently Director of Rugby at London Wasps.Born in Aberdare in 1967, Young lived in Penywaun for many years, and was regularly seen training with his father on the local sports field, now occupied by the Welsh-language...
gave Roberts a chance in the position and he was named in the Welsh squad for the Autumn Internationals
2008 end of year rugby tests
The 2008 end of year rugby tests, also known as the Autumn internationals saw Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina, the Pacific Islanders and Canada tour the northern hemisphere. The tour ended with the traditional 'final challenge' Barbarians match, against Australia, which was the...
. For the first match against The Springboks
South Africa national rugby union team
The South African national rugby union team are 2009 British and Irish Lions Series winners. They are currently ranked as the fourth best team in the IRB World Rankings and were named 2008 World Team of the Year at the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards.Although South Africa was instrumental...
, Roberts was selected at outside centre in a fourth new position for Wales in as many tests. He would be moved to inside centre as Gavin Henson
Gavin Henson
Gavin Lloyd Henson is a Welsh rugby union player, born in Pencoed, South Wales, currently playing for Cardiff Blues.He attracted much media attention as part of a Wales national team which achieved Grand Slams in the Six Nations Championship in 2005 and 2008...
pulled out with an injury and Tom Shanklin
Tom Shanklin
Tomos George L. Shanklin is a former Welsh rugby union player who played Outside Centre for Cardiff Blues and Wales. He is Wales' most-capped centre...
moved to outside centre. Wales lost the game 20–15., with Roberts having a quiet game on his 22nd birthday. Roberts was then named on the bench for the match against The Canucks
Canada national rugby union team
The Canada national rugby union team represents Canada in international rugby union. They are governed by Rugby Canada, and play in red and black. Canada is classified by the International Rugby Board as a tier two rugby nation. There are ten tier one nations, and seven tier two nations, the...
. Wales won 34–13 with Roberts appearing as substitute., Roberts then returned for the match with The All Blacks. He played a better role in this with his crash ball getting over the gainline more. Wales lost the game though 29–9. He was once again selected at inside centre for the match against Australia
Australia national rugby union team
The Australian national rugby union team is the representative side of Australia in rugby union. The national team is nicknamed the Wallabies and competes annually with New Zealand and South Africa in the Tri-Nations Series, in which they also contest the Bledisloe Cup with New Zealand and the...
, but Roberts collided with Aussie skipper Stirling Mortlock
Stirling Mortlock
Stirling Austin Mortlock is an Australian professional rugby union player. He has scored over 1,000 points in Super Rugby, and nearly 500 test points for the Wallabies. Mortlock is a former Wallaby and Brumbies captain, and the current captain of the Melbourne Rebels.-Early life:Mortlock began...
in the second minute of the game. Mortlock was immediately replaced but Roberts initially played on and was crucial in the build-up to Shane Williams
Shane Williams
Shane Mark Williams is a Welsh international rugby union player who plays as a wing for the Ospreys and who can also play scrum-half. Williams is the record try scorer for the Wales national team and he is third on the international list of leading Rugby union Test try scorers behind Daisuke Ohata...
' opening Wales try but the 22-year-old was later replaced by Andrew Bishop
Andrew Bishop
Andrew Bishop is a Welsh international rugby union player who plays for the Ospreys at Centre.He was a stalwart of the Wales Under 21 Grand Slam victory in 2005. In May 2008 he was selected for the Wales' squad for the 2008 Tour of South Africa, making his debut as a substitute in the 2nd test on...
in the 18th minute. Wales finally claimed a victory over a southern hemisphere team, winning 21–18. After the game Roberts was rushed in to hospital with a suspected fractured skull. This was later confirmed and he would be out for two months.
2009 Six Nations
Roberts returned to the Blues setup two months later and played in the 14-man Blues victory away to Gloucester which saw the Blues become the fifth team to win all their games in the Heineken CupHeineken Cup
The Heineken Cup is one of two annual rugby union competitions organised by European Rugby Cup involving leading club, regional and provincial teams from the six International Rugby Board countries in Europe whose national teams compete in the Six Nations Championship: England, France, Ireland,...
group stage. Roberts was then selected in the Welsh squad
Wales national rugby union team
The Wales national rugby union team represent Wales in international rugby union tournaments. They compete annually in the Six Nations Championship with England, France, Ireland, Italy and Scotland. Wales have won the Six Nations and its predecessors 24 times outright, second only to England with...
for the 2009 Six Nations Tournament
2009 Six Nations Championship
The 2009 Six Nations Championship, known as the 2009 RBS 6 Nations because of the tournament's sponsorship by the Royal Bank of Scotland, was the tenth Six Nations Championship, an annual rugby union competition contested by the six major Northern Hemisphere rugby union national teams...
. For the opening match against The Scots
Scotland national rugby union team
The Scotland national rugby union team represent Scotland in international rugby union. Rugby union in Scotland is administered by the Scottish Rugby Union. The Scotland rugby union team is currently ranked eighth in the IRB World Rankings as of 19 September 2011...
, Roberts was once again selected to play outside centre for the first time with Gavin Henson
Gavin Henson
Gavin Lloyd Henson is a Welsh rugby union player, born in Pencoed, South Wales, currently playing for Cardiff Blues.He attracted much media attention as part of a Wales national team which achieved Grand Slams in the Six Nations Championship in 2005 and 2008...
inside him, but Henson pulled out with another injury. Roberts played an instrumental game, winning a man of the match award in the 26–13 win. He was again selected for the match against England
England national rugby union team
The England national rugby union team represents England in rugby union. They compete in the annual Six Nations Championship with France, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, and Wales. They have won this championship on 26 occasions, 12 times winning the Grand Slam, making them the most successful team in...
. This time he was better marshalled with England flanker Joe Worsley
Joe Worsley
Joseph Paul Richard Worsley MBE is a retired English rugby union player who played flanker for Wasps and England.-Biography:...
man marking him for the entire game as Wales won 23–15. Roberts played again at 12 for the game against France
France national rugby union team
The France national rugby union team represents France in rugby union. They compete annually against England, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales in the Six Nations Championship. They have won the championship outright sixteen times, shared it a further eight times, and have completed nine grand slams...
. This time he was kept quiet and was replaced midway through the second half by Gavin Henson. Wales lost 21–15. For the third time, Roberts was selected at outside centre with Gavin Henson, and he finally played with him. But the combination didn't go as well as it was tipped to be with Roberts barely touching the ball the whole match. Wales won 20–15 but not by the amount they were hoping for, as they were looking to increase their points difference for the final round. Roberts was put on the bench for the tournament decider against Ireland
Ireland national rugby union team
The Ireland national rugby union team represents the island of Ireland in rugby union. The team competes annually in the Six Nations Championship and every four years in the Rugby World Cup, where they reached the quarter-final stage in all but two competitions The Ireland national rugby union...
. He came on just before halftime as Lee Byrne
Lee Byrne
Lee Martin Byrne is a Welsh international rugby union rugby player, who plays for ASM Clermont Auvergne in the Top 14 and Heineken Cup...
was injured. Roberts failed to match Brian O'Driscoll
Brian O'Driscoll
Brian O'Driscoll is an Irish professional rugby union player. He is the current captain of the Ireland Rugby team and captained Leinster Rugby until the start of 2008 season. He also captained the British and Irish Lions for their 2005 tour of New Zealand...
, who scored a try, as Ireland claimed victory 17–15 to win the Grand Slam for the first time in 61 years.
End Of Season Form
Despite the disappointing end to the Six Nations, Roberts continued to play well for the Blues as they won the EDF Energy CupEDF Energy Cup
The Anglo-Welsh Cup, currently known for sponsorship reasons as the LV Cup , is an English and Welsh rugby union knock-out cup competition featuring the twelve Aviva Premiership clubs and four Welsh Regions...
with a crushing 50–12 win over Gloucester
Gloucester RFC
Gloucester Rugby are a professional English rugby union club situated in the west country city of Gloucester. The club plays in the domestic Aviva Premiership...
. On 21 April 2009, Roberts was named as a member of the British and Irish Lions
British and Irish Lions
The British and Irish Lions is a rugby union team made up of players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales...
for the 2009 tour to South Africa. He was one of six Blues
Cardiff Blues
Cardiff Blues are one of the four professional Welsh regional rugby union teams. Based in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, the team have played at Cardiff City Stadium since the start of the 2009/2010 season and are owned by Cardiff Rugby Football Club....
selected.
The Blues also made it into the Heineken Cup
2008-09 Heineken Cup
The 2008–09 Heineken Cup was the fourteenth edition of the Heineken Cup, the annual rugby union European club competition for clubs from the top six nations in European rugby. It started in October 2008 and ended on 23 May 2009 at Murrayfield in Edinburgh...
semi-finals thanks to a win over Toulouse
Stade Toulousain
Stade Toulousain, also referred to as Toulouse, is a French rugby union club from Toulouse in Midi-Pyrénées. Toulouse is one of the finest rugby clubs in Europe, having won the Heineken Cup four times – in 1996, 2003, 2005 and 2010. They were also runners-up in 2004 and 2008 against London Wasps...
. But they lost in a penalty shoot-out against Leicester Tigers
Leicester Tigers
Leicester Tigers is an English rugby union club that plays in the Aviva Premiership.Leicester are the most successful English club since the introduction of league rugby in 1987, a record 9 times English champions - 3 more than either Bath or Wasps, the last of which was in 2010...
after the match was drawn 26–26. Roberts scored a try and set up another try.
The Warm-Up Matches
Before the tour, Roberts was in contention for the inside centre role. Roberts was selected to play in the opening match of the tour of the Royal XV. He was partnered by young Keith Earls
Keith Earls
Keith Earls is an Irish rugby union footballer for Munster in the RaboDirect Pro12 and Heineken Cup. Internationally, Earls plays for Ireland, and he represented the British and Irish Lions on their 2009 tour to South Africa. He plays as an Outside Centre, Winger or Fullback. He won a Munster...
in the centre. Despite a dour display from the Lions, Roberts held his own in the altitude and along with Lee Byrne
Lee Byrne
Lee Martin Byrne is a Welsh international rugby union rugby player, who plays for ASM Clermont Auvergne in the Top 14 and Heineken Cup...
and Tommy Bowe
Tommy Bowe
Thomas John "Tommy" Bowe is an Irish rugby union footballer from County Monaghan, Ireland...
made an early claim for the test spot in the 37–25 win. In the same game, Flutey came on but picked up an injury ruling him out for a week and a half. This meant that Roberts was selected once again for the match against the Golden Lions
Golden Lions
The Golden Lions is a provincial rugby team based in Johannesburg, South Africa. The team was originally known as Transvaal, before changes to the political landscape in South Africa forced a name change to the Gauteng Lions, before again being changed to the Golden Lions. For sponsorship reason...
, this time partnered with Brian O'Driscoll
Brian O'Driscoll
Brian O'Driscoll is an Irish professional rugby union player. He is the current captain of the Ireland Rugby team and captained Leinster Rugby until the start of 2008 season. He also captained the British and Irish Lions for their 2005 tour of New Zealand...
. He scored two tries and made several breaks in a man of the match, which gave the selectors thoughts about a test partnership with O'Driscoll as the Lions won 74–10. He was then left out of the next game against the Free State Cheetahs
Free State Cheetahs
The Free State Cheetahs , currently named the Toyota Free State Cheetahs, for sponsorship reasons, are a South African rugby union team that participates in the annual Currie Cup tournament. They are governed by the Free State Rugby Union and are based at the 37,076-capacity Vodacom Park in...
, as the Lions scraped victory 26–24. Roberts was once again selected in the centre with O'Driscoll for the next match against the Natal Sharks
Natal Sharks
The Natal Sharks are a South African rugby union team that participate in the annual Currie Cup and Super Rugby tournaments. The Sharks home stadium is Kings Park. They draw most of their players from the KwaZulu-Natal Province. The Sharks are the current representative team of the Natal rugby...
. There were also signs of concerns as he hurt his shoulder and had to have strapped at the end but coach Ian McGeechan
Ian McGeechan
Sir Ian Robert McGeechan OBE is a Scottish former rugby union player and coach. His nickname is "Geech".-Playing career:...
played down any injury worries, saying that it was just bruising. The Lions won 39–3.Riki Flutey
Riki Flutey
Riki John Flutey is a New Zealand born rugby union footballer who plays at centre or fly-half for London Wasps in the Aviva Premiership....
was then given his first start against the Western Province
Western Province (rugby team)
DHL Western Province is a South African rugby union team that participates in the annual Currie Cup tournament. The team has won the Currie Cup on 32 occasions and has the most supporters of any Currie Cup team...
, but failed to impress. This removed any possibility of him appaearing on the test instead of Roberts.
The First Test
Roberts, as expected, was named in the centre with O'Driscoll for the first test match in Durban. The Lions lost the first test narrowly 26–21, despite outscoring them three tries to two. In the game Roberts released his partner to set up the first try for Tom Croft
Tom Croft
Tom Croft, born 7 November 1985 in Basingstoke, England, is a rugby union player for Leicester Tigers in the Aviva Premiership.-Background:Croft's best position is blindside flanker, but he can fill in at openside flanker , and lock...
. He made a tandem tackle with O'Driscoll on winger JP Pietersen
JP Pietersen
Jon-Paul Roger "JP" Pietersen is a South African rugby union footballer. He generally plays fullback or wing for the Sharks and the Natal Sharks in the Currie Cup...
, knocking him back 20 metres. However, his performance was not enough for the Lions to win despite a late comeback. His partnership with O'Driscoll was touted as one of the best Lions' centre partnerships ever.
The Second Test
Roberts was selected again with O'Driscoll in the centre for the match at Loftus Versfeld. This was significant for Roberts because it was where he had played his first test in the centre (and also his first ever match at centre). He had a quieter game and never missed a tackle. But it wasn't enough for the Lions as they went down 28–25 to last minute Morne Steyn
Morne Steyn
Morné Steyn is a South African rugby union player who plays at the Flyhalf position.He plays at number 10 for the Springboks internationally, as well as for the Bulls in the Super 14 and for the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup...
penalty from 53 metres out. This gave the Springboks
South Africa national rugby union team
The South African national rugby union team are 2009 British and Irish Lions Series winners. They are currently ranked as the fourth best team in the IRB World Rankings and were named 2008 World Team of the Year at the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards.Although South Africa was instrumental...
an unassailable 2–0 lead in the series, to give them revenge for the 1997 defeat
1997 British Lions tour to South Africa
The 1997 British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa was a series of matches played by the British and Irish Lions rugby union team in South Africa.This tour followed the Lions' 1993 tour to New Zealand and preceded their 2001 tour to Australia....
that the Boks had suffered to the Lions. They also outscored the Lions three tries to one with JP Pietersen
JP Pietersen
Jon-Paul Roger "JP" Pietersen is a South African rugby union footballer. He generally plays fullback or wing for the Sharks and the Natal Sharks in the Currie Cup...
, Bryan Habana
Bryan Habana
Bryan Gary Habana is a South African rugby union player who plays as a wing for the Western Province in the Currie Cup, the Stormers in Super 14, and the 2007 Rugby World Cup champions Springboks...
and Jacque Fourie all scoring. Rob Kearney
Rob Kearney
Robert Kearney , also referred to as Rob Kearney, is an Irish rugby union footballer who currently plays for UCD, Leinster and Ireland. As a youth he also played rugby union for Clongowes Wood College and Gaelic football for Louth in the All-Ireland Minor Football Championship...
scored the Lions try. Roberts was taken off in 69th minute due to a sprained wrist and replaced by Ronan O'Gara
Ronan O'Gara
Ronan John Ross O'Gara is an Irish rugby union player, playing at fly-half for both Munster and Ireland. He is the all time highest point scorer for both Munster and Ireland. In addition to his prolific point-scoring, he has captained Munster, Ireland and the British and Irish Lions...
. This proved costly as O'Gara missed a tackle which led to Fourie's try and conceded the penalty which Steyn kicked. Roberts wasn't the only one to pick up an injury. Props Gethin Jenkins
Gethin Jenkins
Gethin Jenkins is a Wales and British Lions international rugby union player, currently playing for Cardiff Blues. He is the most capped prop-forward for Wales.-Early career:...
(broken cheekbone), Adam Jones
Adam Rhys Jones
Adam Rhys Jones is a Welsh international rugby union player, currently playing for the Ospreys in the RaboDirect Pro12. His usual position is at tighthead prop...
(dislocated shoulder) and centre partner Brian O'Driscoll
Brian O'Driscoll
Brian O'Driscoll is an Irish professional rugby union player. He is the current captain of the Ireland Rugby team and captained Leinster Rugby until the start of 2008 season. He also captained the British and Irish Lions for their 2005 tour of New Zealand...
(concussion) all picking up injuries. This led to uncontested scrums, which favoured the Springboks as they were being destroyed. This is what many believed to be the difference.
This next day, coach Ian McGeechan
Ian McGeechan
Sir Ian Robert McGeechan OBE is a Scottish former rugby union player and coach. His nickname is "Geech".-Playing career:...
announced that both props Jenkins and Jones would miss the final test and Roberts and O'Driscoll were major doubts. The following Monday, it was announced that O'Driscoll would be flying home but Roberts along with Tommy Bowe
Tommy Bowe
Thomas John "Tommy" Bowe is an Irish rugby union footballer from County Monaghan, Ireland...
, would most likely play in the final test. But when the team was announced, Roberts' place was taken by Riki Flutey
Riki Flutey
Riki John Flutey is a New Zealand born rugby union footballer who plays at centre or fly-half for London Wasps in the Aviva Premiership....
with Tommy Bowe
Tommy Bowe
Thomas John "Tommy" Bowe is an Irish rugby union footballer from County Monaghan, Ireland...
in the outside centre. They said that he hadn't quite recovered. The Lions would go on to win 28–9 in the final test against a new look Springbok team, but the series was still lost 2–1. Roberts was selected as the Lions Player of the Series.
September – October (Magners League & Heineken Cup)
After the Lions tour, Roberts, along with all the other Lions would be given a five week break from the sport. Dafydd JamesDafydd James
Dafydd Rhys James is a former Welsh international rugby union footballer who plays on the wing or at centre. He toured with the British and Irish Lions in 2001. He has earned 45 caps for Wales and three for the British & Irish Lions...
said that it was a good thing. This was coming from his personal experience from being injured after being rushed back into rugby from the tour. Roberts would return to regional training with the Blues
Cardiff Blues
Cardiff Blues are one of the four professional Welsh regional rugby union teams. Based in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, the team have played at Cardiff City Stadium since the start of the 2009/2010 season and are owned by Cardiff Rugby Football Club....
in late September or early October. And despite having become a well known figure on the Lions tour, Roberts would also face stiff competition for a centre spot from new signings Casey Laulala
Casey Laulala
Casey Laulala is a New Zealand rugby union player.He attended Woodhouse Grove School in the sixth form on a scholarship.-Career:...
and Gavin Evans
Gavin Evans
Gavin D. Evans is a Welsh international rugby union footballer. His usual position is in the centre. In 2006, he was called up to the Welsh national squad for the November Test series...
alongside Dafydd Hewitt
Dafydd Hewitt
Dafydd Hewitt is a Welsh rugby union player. A centre, he currently plays his club rugby for Cardiff Blues. He was selected for the Wales national rugby union team squad in 2007. Hewitt captained Wales Under 21's at the 2006 Under 21 Rugby World Championship. Hewitt's brother Rhys plays at hooker...
, who was returning from a long term injury. The Blues lost their opening two matches to Edinburgh and Munster
Munster Rugby
Munster Rugby is an Irish professional rugby union team based in Munster, that competes in the RaboDirect Pro12 and Heineken Cup.The team represents the Irish Rugby Football Union Munster Branch which is one of four primary branches of the IRFU, and is responsible for rugby union in the Irish...
, with Roberts being rested. He then returned for the match with Connacht
Connacht Rugby
Connacht Rugby is an Irish professional rugby union team based in Connacht that competes in the RaboDirect Pro12 comprising teams from the Celtic nations plus Italy. Normally, it also competes in the second-tier pan-European club competition, the European Challenge Cup...
but only lasted till halftime with an ankle injury forcing him off. The Blues lost again 18–16. The following Monday, Roberts was cleared to play in the game against the Scarlets
Llanelli Scarlets
The Scarlets are one of the four professional Welsh regional rugby union teams. Based in Llanelli, south-west Wales the team play at the Parc y Scarlets stadium. They play in the RaboDirect Pro12, as well as competing in the LV= Cup and the Heineken Cup...
in the first Welsh derby of the season. But he was once again forced off before halftime, this time with a neck injury. The Blues claimed their first victory of the season 19–15. But Roberts would be ruled out for ten days with the neck injury meaning he would miss the game against Glasgow Warriors
Glasgow Warriors
The Glasgow Warriors, formerly Glasgow Rugby, are one of two professional rugby union teams in Scotland, Edinburgh being the other. They play in the RaboDirect Pro12 and their home ground is Firhill Stadium, also the home of Partick Thistle Football Club.-History:Glasgow Rugby were created to...
, which the Blues would lose 21–5. Having lost 4 of the 5 games going into the Heineken Cup opener against Harlequins, Roberts returned to partner Tom Shanklin
Tom Shanklin
Tomos George L. Shanklin is a former Welsh rugby union player who played Outside Centre for Cardiff Blues and Wales. He is Wales' most-capped centre...
in the centre. The Blues claimed a 20–6 victory. Roberts set up the opening try for Tom James
Tom James
Thomas James MBE is a Welsh rower, Olympic Champion, and victorious Cambridge Blue.-Education:James was educated at The King's School, Chester, where he took up the sport of rowing...
, as well as getting over the gainline, and also booting a 70 metre kick before halftime. The Blues then took on the Sale Sharks
Sale Sharks
Sale Sharks are a professional rugby union club who play in England in the Aviva Premiership.The club is an offshoot of Sale FC, which is based at Heywood Road in Sale, Greater Manchester, but Sharks currently play in Stockport at Edgeley Park, ground sharing with Stockport County F.C.Part of the...
the following week. They lost 27–26 in a close game. Next up was the Ospreys in the biggest attendance at their new stadium. Roberts and Tom Shanklin were very good in defence. The Welsh squad
Wales national rugby union team
The Wales national rugby union team represent Wales in international rugby union tournaments. They compete annually in the Six Nations Championship with England, France, Ireland, Italy and Scotland. Wales have won the Six Nations and its predecessors 24 times outright, second only to England with...
was named the next day, with Roberts included.
2009 Autumn Internationals
For the first game New Zealand, despite speculation he would be playing at 13, outside James HookJames Hook (rugby player)
James William Hook is a Welsh rugby union player for USA Perpignan. Hook is widely regarded as one of the most talented players in world rugby....
, he was retained at 12 partnering Tom Shanklin
Tom Shanklin
Tomos George L. Shanklin is a former Welsh rugby union player who played Outside Centre for Cardiff Blues and Wales. He is Wales' most-capped centre...
in the centre with Hook averting to full back. Wales
Wales national rugby union team
The Wales national rugby union team represent Wales in international rugby union tournaments. They compete annually in the Six Nations Championship with England, France, Ireland, Italy and Scotland. Wales have won the Six Nations and its predecessors 24 times outright, second only to England with...
ended up losing 19–12 in a thrilling encounter. The centre partnership with Shanklin lacked creativity meaning Roberts was expected to move 13 with Hook coming in at 12. For the game against Samoa
Samoa national rugby union team
The Manu Samoa is the men's representative side of the Samoa Rugby Union in both the 15's and the 7's for international competitions. The Samoa Rugby Union is owned by the affiliated rugby unions of Samoa. In Samoa, Manu Samoa is in honour of a famous Samoan warrior. From 1924 to 1997 Samoa was...
, the partnership was retained with Hook remaining at full back. Roberts had a quiet game and Samoa pushed Wales all the way and nearly repeated the shock victories of the 1991
1991 Rugby World Cup
The 1991 Rugby World Cup was the second edition of the Rugby World Cup, and was jointly hosted by England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and France; at that time, the five European countries that participated in the Five Nations Championship making it the first Rugby World Cup to be staged in the...
and 1999 Rugby World Cup's
1999 Rugby World Cup
The 1999 Rugby World Cup was the fourth Rugby World Cup, and the first to be held in rugby union's professional era. The principal host nation was Wales, although the majority of matches were played outside the country, shared between England, France, Scotland and Ireland...
. But Wales held out for a 17–13 victory. Once again creativity was lacking until Tom Shanklin
Tom Shanklin
Tomos George L. Shanklin is a former Welsh rugby union player who played Outside Centre for Cardiff Blues and Wales. He is Wales' most-capped centre...
was replaced by Jonathan Davies. This was seen as the probable partnership for the game against Argentina
Argentina national rugby union team
The Argentina national rugby team, nicknamed Los Pumas, represents Argentina in international rugby union matches. The team, which plays in sky blue and white jerseys, is organised by the Argentine Rugby Union .Argentina played its first international rugby match in 1910 against a touring British...
although some were calling for James Hook
James Hook (rugby player)
James William Hook is a Welsh rugby union player for USA Perpignan. Hook is widely regarded as one of the most talented players in world rugby....
to come in at 12 after making several breaks. On the Monday before the match, it was revealed that Tom Shanklin
Tom Shanklin
Tomos George L. Shanklin is a former Welsh rugby union player who played Outside Centre for Cardiff Blues and Wales. He is Wales' most-capped centre...
had broken his nose and would therefore miss the game against the Pumas. With Gatland keen to keep Hook at full back, Jonathan Davies was brought in, incidentally at 12, with Roberts shifting to outside centre for the second time in the red jersey. This was to give Roberts extra space to make the hard yards. Wales claimed victory by 33–16. Roberts was then named in the Barbarians squad along with two other Cardiff Blues
Cardiff Blues
Cardiff Blues are one of the four professional Welsh regional rugby union teams. Based in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, the team have played at Cardiff City Stadium since the start of the 2009/2010 season and are owned by Cardiff Rugby Football Club....
players Andy Powell
Andy Powell
Andy Powell is an English guitarist and songwriter, and best known as a founding member of Wishbone Ash.-Early life and career:...
and Leigh Halfpenny
Leigh Halfpenny
Stephen Leigh Halfpenny is a Welsh international rugby union footballer who plays for the Cardiff Blues regional side.-Biography:...
. But attention wasn't on that for the moment as he was put under the spotlight and was told to have a big game in the final match of the series against Australia
Australia national rugby union team
The Australian national rugby union team is the representative side of Australia in rugby union. The national team is nicknamed the Wallabies and competes annually with New Zealand and South Africa in the Tri-Nations Series, in which they also contest the Bledisloe Cup with New Zealand and the...
. Once again Roberts was selected at 13 with Davies at 12 despite Shanklin returning from injury. Roberts was the only player to make any headway as Wales were crushed 33–12 in their worst performance in Warren Gatland
Warren Gatland
Warren David Gatland is a former New Zealand rugby footballer and the current head coach of the Wales national team.Gatland was born in Hamilton, New Zealand and educated at Hamilton Boys' High School and Waikato University...
's reign. Roberts was then given a start for the Barbarians match against the All Blacks with Jaque Fourie
Jaque Fourie
Jaque Fourie is a South African rugby union footballer. He is a versatile backline player whose usual position is in the centres...
partnering him in the centre. It would be seen as a chance to redeem himself after a disappointing international series. Roberts was finally given the chance to prove his worth with an instrumental performance as the Baa-baas claimed only their second ever win over the New Zealand by 25 points to 18. Roberts made breaks and combined superbly. This proved the critics that he wasn't lacking form but that Wales needed someone to give the opportunity to shine.
December – January (Magners League & Heineken Cup)
Roberts was selected for the Heineken Cup match against ToulouseStade Toulousain
Stade Toulousain, also referred to as Toulouse, is a French rugby union club from Toulouse in Midi-Pyrénées. Toulouse is one of the finest rugby clubs in Europe, having won the Heineken Cup four times – in 1996, 2003, 2005 and 2010. They were also runners-up in 2004 and 2008 against London Wasps...
in Cardiff. The Blues won 15–9 in a lacklustre match. In another lacklustre match, Toulouse claimed a 23–7 win, a blow to the Blues' quarter final hopes. He then played in the 42–13 win over rivals the Dragons. He also picked up a shoulder injury in this match and would miss the second derby match against the Ospreys. The understrength Blues were hammered 26–0. On January 5, 2010, Roberts signed a new contract with the Blues that would keep him at the region until at least 2013. After playing well in Blues 36–19 win over Sale Sharks
Sale Sharks
Sale Sharks are a professional rugby union club who play in England in the Aviva Premiership.The club is an offshoot of Sale FC, which is based at Heywood Road in Sale, Greater Manchester, but Sharks currently play in Stockport at Edgeley Park, ground sharing with Stockport County F.C.Part of the...
, the Blues faced the probability of being knocked out of the Heineken Cup. And if they did not get a result against Harlequins, they would be knocked out of Europe altogether, and not be included in the European Challenge Cup
European Challenge Cup
The European Challenge Cup, currently known for sponsorship reasons as the Amlin Challenge Cup, is one of two annual rugby union competitions organised by European Rugby Cup. The cup was known as the Parker Pen Shield from 2001 to 2003 and Parker Pen Challenge Cup from 2003 to 2005. The European...
. Roberts was also facing competition for his Welsh jersey, with James Hook
James Hook (rugby player)
James William Hook is a Welsh rugby union player for USA Perpignan. Hook is widely regarded as one of the most talented players in world rugby....
and Andrew Bishop
Andrew Bishop
Andrew Bishop is a Welsh international rugby union player who plays for the Ospreys at Centre.He was a stalwart of the Wales Under 21 Grand Slam victory in 2005. In May 2008 he was selected for the Wales' squad for the 2008 Tour of South Africa, making his debut as a substitute in the 2nd test on...
forming an excellent centre partnership at the Ospreys. But the Blues ended their Heineken Cup on a high note by beating Harlequins, 45–20, with Roberts hitting back at the critics with two tries, his first of the season. And although they were knocked out of the Heineken Cup, they did qualify for the Challenge Cup, by finishing second in their group.
2010 Six Nations
There was plenty of competition for a place in the centres, with Roberts, James HookJames Hook (rugby player)
James William Hook is a Welsh rugby union player for USA Perpignan. Hook is widely regarded as one of the most talented players in world rugby....
, Andrew Bishop
Andrew Bishop
Andrew Bishop is a Welsh international rugby union player who plays for the Ospreys at Centre.He was a stalwart of the Wales Under 21 Grand Slam victory in 2005. In May 2008 he was selected for the Wales' squad for the 2008 Tour of South Africa, making his debut as a substitute in the 2nd test on...
and Jonathan Davies all looking capable of doing a good job. There was also a dilemma over Lee Byrne
Lee Byrne
Lee Martin Byrne is a Welsh international rugby union rugby player, who plays for ASM Clermont Auvergne in the Top 14 and Heineken Cup...
, who was set to be banned for the England game, meaning Hook would play at full back again, even though the Welsh public were demanding for him to be played in the centre position. Lee Byrne successfully overturned his ban and Roberts and Hook were selected in the centres with Roberts returning to his natural position of 12, having played two games at his less favoured position of 13 in the autumn.
Roberts and Hook combined well, and Hook scored a superb induvidual try but they did not get enough of the ball as Wales lost 30–17, despite a strong fight back. They were again paired together for the match against Scotland
Scotland national rugby union team
The Scotland national rugby union team represent Scotland in international rugby union. Rugby union in Scotland is administered by the Scottish Rugby Union. The Scotland rugby union team is currently ranked eighth in the IRB World Rankings as of 19 September 2011...
. Roberts had an excellent game making several breaks. Wales were not as impressive but completed a comeback to defeat the Scots 31–24, having been 24–14 down with five minutes to go. The backline for Scotland was retained in the following match against France
France national rugby union team
The France national rugby union team represents France in rugby union. They compete annually against England, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales in the Six Nations Championship. They have won the championship outright sixteen times, shared it a further eight times, and have completed nine grand slams...
, the second ever Friday night Six Nations match. Roberts and Hook managed to combine very well throughout the match but could not capitalise on their opportunities. France ended up winning 26–20 despite an excellent Welsh comeback, after scoring two interception tries in the first half to go up 20–0. Roberts played again against Ireland against Brian O'Driscoll
Brian O'Driscoll
Brian O'Driscoll is an Irish professional rugby union player. He is the current captain of the Ireland Rugby team and captained Leinster Rugby until the start of 2008 season. He also captained the British and Irish Lions for their 2005 tour of New Zealand...
, the man he partnered in the centre for the Lions. Ireland claimed a convincing victory 27–12. Once again, Roberts and Hook played in the centres in the final match against Italy
Italy national rugby union team
The Italy national rugby union team represent the nation of Italy in the sport of rugby union. The team is also known as the Azzurri . Italy have been playing international rugby since the late 1920s, and since 2000 compete annually in the Six Nations Championship with England, France, Ireland,...
. Wales won 33–10 with the pair combining well as Hook scored two tries. Gatland said after the match, that despite the two playing well, it would take possibly up to 12 months for them to become a great centre partnership.
April – May (Magners League & Amlin Challenge Cup)
Roberts returned to the Blues a couple weeks after the Six Nations in their 19–9 win over Ulster. This was a warm-up for their next against Newcastle FalconsNewcastle Falcons
The Newcastle Falcons is an English rugby union team currently playing in the Aviva Premiership. The club was established in 1877 and played under the name of Gosforth Football Club until 1990. The name was then changed to Newcastle Gosforth and the club began to play at Kingston Park stadium in...
in the Amlin Challenge Cup. The Blues romped home to win 55–20 with Roberts claiming a try. He then produced a man of the match display against the Scarlets
Llanelli Scarlets
The Scarlets are one of the four professional Welsh regional rugby union teams. Based in Llanelli, south-west Wales the team play at the Parc y Scarlets stadium. They play in the RaboDirect Pro12, as well as competing in the LV= Cup and the Heineken Cup...
in the Magners League, scoring two tries and setting up another in a comfortable 39–16 win over the west Wales region. This ended the Scarlets hopes of a spot in the Heineken Cup. Roberts then played in the 20–14 win over the Dragons at Rodney Parade
Rodney Parade
Rodney Parade is a stadium in the city of Newport, south Wales. Located on the east bank of the River Usk in Newport city centre it is primarily used for rugby matches and is the home ground of Newport RFC and the Newport Gwent Dragons regional team.-History:...
. Next came London Wasps
London Wasps
London Wasps is an English professional rugby union team. The men's first team, which forms London Wasps, was derived from Wasps Football Club who were formed in 1867 at the now defunct Eton and Middlesex Tavern in North London, at the turn of professionalism in 1999...
in the Amlin Challenge Cup semi final. The Blues claimed victory to move into the final against Toulon on 23 May. But before this, he played in the 13–12 victory over Munster, scoring a try. Next came the Amlin Final. The Blues claimed a victory by 28 points to 21, becoming the first Welsh team to win silverware in Europe. Roberts scored a try and caused trouble for the Toulon midfield defence.
2010 June Tests (Prince William Cup & Tour of New Zealand)
Roberts was selected for the Welsh squad to go on tour to New Zealand and to take on South AfricaSouth Africa national rugby union team
The South African national rugby union team are 2009 British and Irish Lions Series winners. They are currently ranked as the fourth best team in the IRB World Rankings and were named 2008 World Team of the Year at the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards.Although South Africa was instrumental...
on June 5. It looked as if he would partner Andrew Bishop
Andrew Bishop
Andrew Bishop is a Welsh international rugby union player who plays for the Ospreys at Centre.He was a stalwart of the Wales Under 21 Grand Slam victory in 2005. In May 2008 he was selected for the Wales' squad for the 2008 Tour of South Africa, making his debut as a substitute in the 2nd test on...
with James Hook
James Hook (rugby player)
James William Hook is a Welsh rugby union player for USA Perpignan. Hook is widely regarded as one of the most talented players in world rugby....
take the tour off as he headed for shoulder surgery. But Hook delayed it by a week to play the Springboks and partnered Roberts for the sixth time in a row. In a decent match, Wales lost 31–34. Roberts had a great game combining excellently with Hook, getting over gainline a lot and putting in some decent tackles. This was not enough as Wales were outmuscled at the breakdown. Roberts was then partnered with Andrew Bishop
Andrew Bishop
Andrew Bishop is a Welsh international rugby union player who plays for the Ospreys at Centre.He was a stalwart of the Wales Under 21 Grand Slam victory in 2005. In May 2008 he was selected for the Wales' squad for the 2008 Tour of South Africa, making his debut as a substitute in the 2nd test on...
in the centre for the first test against the All Blacks
All Blacks
The New Zealand men's national rugby union team, known as the All Blacks, represent New Zealand in what is regarded as its national sport....
. Roberts was once again in defence, and made some breaks but it was again in vain as Wales were outmuscled by New Zealand going down 42–9 in the final ever test in Carisbrook
Carisbrook
Carisbrook was a major sporting venue in Dunedin, New Zealand. The city's main domestic and international rugby union venue, it has also been used for other sports such as cricket, football, rugby league and motocross. Carisbrook has also hosted a Joe Cocker concert and frequently hosted pre-game...
. Roberts was taken off in the 69th minute with a shoulder injury but was deemed fine to play in the next test. His centre partner Bishop however picked up a hand injury, ruling him out of the next test. He was replaced by Jonathan Davies who played in the number 13 jersey. Wales lost the second test 29–10 but put in a slightly improved display. Roberts had another decent game once again putting in brutal tackles, making loads of tackle busts and breaks and got his 2nd test try as reward, Wales' first test try since 2006 against the All Blacks. He could have had another one but was held up over the line.
Wrist Surgery
Coming back from the tour of New Zealand, Roberts required wrist surgery. It was an injury that he had picked up on the 2009 Lions Tour in the second test and had been an ongoing problem. The surgery would rule him out until Christmas. Roberts though was positive about the surgery saying it would give him time to recuperate before the 2011 Rugby World Cup2011 Rugby World Cup
The 2011 Rugby World Cup was the seventh Rugby World Cup, a quadrennial international rugby union competition inaugurated in 1987. The International Rugby Board selected New Zealand as the host country in preference to Japan and South Africa at a meeting in Dublin on 17 November 2005...
.
He later stated that he hoped to knock the return date down by a month or two.
On 6 December, Roberts was cleared to play in the Heineken Cup matches against Northampton Saints
Northampton Saints
Northampton Saints are a professional rugby union club from Northampton, England. The Northampton Saints were formed in 1880. They play in green, black and gold colours. They play their home games at Franklin's Gardens, which has a capacity of 13,591....
, a few weeks earlier than expected. Roberts tweeted, '"Just had my appointment with the wrist surgeon. I walked out feeling like a kid at Christmas. Return to the playing field imminent."
2011 Six Nations
Roberts returned for the Blues and was subsequently called up to the Six Nations squad. He was named at number 13 with Jonathan Davies at number 12 for the first game against England. He had a very quiet game only touching the ball 5 times. Wales lost 19-26 in a gripping encounter. He was retained for the game against Scotland with instructions to look for the ball against the Scots as Wales claimed a 24-6 victory. Davies was then ruled of the next match against Italy, so James Hook was moved to 13 and Roberts to 12. He had the same affect making some neat runs and some brutal hits, notably on Sergio Parisse, the Italian captain. Wales claimed victory 24-16.Davies then returned for the match against Ireland, with Roberts going back to 13. Wales claimed victory by 19 to 13, after a controversial try by Mike Phillips. The win kept Wales' championship hopes alive going into their final game against France. He was once again selected in a retained cetntre pairing but Wales were crushed by France 28-9, to end championship hopes and finish fourth.
2011 Rugby World Cup Warm-Ups
Roberts was named in the preliminary 45-man World Cup squad which would attend to training camps in Spala, Poland. These were described as being ferocious. Jamie was then named in the Welsh starting line-up for the opening World Cup Warm-Up match against EnglandEngland national rugby union team
The England national rugby union team represents England in rugby union. They compete in the annual Six Nations Championship with France, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, and Wales. They have won this championship on 26 occasions, 12 times winning the Grand Slam, making them the most successful team in...
at Twickenham, partnering Jonathan Davies in the centres to win his 30th Welsh cap. A Welsh team lost 23-19 to England with Roberts having a strong game. Roberts was then selected for the return fixture against England. He once again had a strong game running and tackling but picked up a yellow card for repeated ruck infringements. Wales claimed a 19-9 win - a huge confidence boost for the world cup. Roberts then started against Argentina
Argentina national rugby union team
The Argentina national rugby team, nicknamed Los Pumas, represents Argentina in international rugby union matches. The team, which plays in sky blue and white jerseys, is organised by the Argentine Rugby Union .Argentina played its first international rugby match in 1910 against a touring British...
, the final warm-up game which Wales won comfortably 28-13. The following Monday he was included in the Welsh squad to travel to New Zealand for the 2011 Rugby World Cup
2011 Rugby World Cup
The 2011 Rugby World Cup was the seventh Rugby World Cup, a quadrennial international rugby union competition inaugurated in 1987. The International Rugby Board selected New Zealand as the host country in preference to Japan and South Africa at a meeting in Dublin on 17 November 2005...
.
2011 Rugby World Cup
Roberts was selected at 12 for the opening match of the rugby world cup against the which was lost 17-16. He was selected at 12 again, in an unchanged XV for the game against SamoaSamoa national rugby union team
The Manu Samoa is the men's representative side of the Samoa Rugby Union in both the 15's and the 7's for international competitions. The Samoa Rugby Union is owned by the affiliated rugby unions of Samoa. In Samoa, Manu Samoa is in honour of a famous Samoan warrior. From 1924 to 1997 Samoa was...
which Wales won 17-10. Roberts was not selected for the match with the Namibians
Namibia national rugby union team
The Namibian rugby union team, nicknamed the Welwitschias or Biltongboere, represents Namibia at rugby union. Although they are a tier-three nation in the International Rugby Board tier system, the team have participated in all three Rugby World Cup competitions since their first appearance in 1999...
. But he returned for the match against Fiji
Fiji national rugby union team
The Fiji national rugby union team is a member of the Pacific Islands Rugby Alliance formerly along with Samoa and Tonga. In 2009, Samoa announced their departure from the Pacific Islands Rugby Alliance, leaving just Fiji and Tonga. Fiji are ranked sixteenth in the world by the IRB as of 26...
, where he scored two tries, in a 66-0 win against the Pacific Island team. Wales would then face Ireland
Ireland national rugby union team
The Ireland national rugby union team represents the island of Ireland in rugby union. The team competes annually in the Six Nations Championship and every four years in the Rugby World Cup, where they reached the quarter-final stage in all but two competitions The Ireland national rugby union...
in the first quarter final with Roberts face up to old Lions centre partner Brian O'Driscoll
Brian O'Driscoll
Brian O'Driscoll is an Irish professional rugby union player. He is the current captain of the Ireland Rugby team and captained Leinster Rugby until the start of 2008 season. He also captained the British and Irish Lions for their 2005 tour of New Zealand...
. Wales won 22-10 to move into the semi finals for the first time since 1987.
Overall points record
| Team | Games | Tries | Conversions | Penalties | Drop Goals | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiff Blues Cardiff Blues Cardiff Blues are one of the four professional Welsh regional rugby union teams. Based in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, the team have played at Cardiff City Stadium since the start of the 2009/2010 season and are owned by Cardiff Rugby Football Club.... |
53 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 70 |
| Wales Wales national rugby union team The Wales national rugby union team represent Wales in international rugby union tournaments. They compete annually in the Six Nations Championship with England, France, Ireland, Italy and Scotland. Wales have won the Six Nations and its predecessors 24 times outright, second only to England with... |
30 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| British and Irish Lions British and Irish Lions The British and Irish Lions is a rugby union team made up of players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales... |
2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| British and Irish Lions Tour Matches | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| Barbarians | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Wales
| Cap Number | Date | Team | Position | Shirt Number | Home or Away | Venue | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 9 February 2008 | Wing | 14 | Home | Millennium Stadium Millennium Stadium The Millennium Stadium is the national stadium of Wales, located in the capital, Cardiff. It is the home of the Wales national rugby union team and also frequently stages games of the Wales national football team, but is also host to many other large scale events, such as the Super Special Stage... , Cardiff Cardiff Cardiff is the capital, largest city and most populous county of Wales and the 10th largest city in the United Kingdom. The city is Wales' chief commercial centre, the base for most national cultural and sporting institutions, the Welsh national media, and the seat of the National Assembly for... |
Win | 30–15 | |
| 2 | 7 June 2008 | Full Back | 15 | Away | Vodacom Park, Bloemfontein Bloemfontein Bloemfontein is the capital city of the Free State Province of South Africa; and, as the judicial capital of the nation, one of South Africa's three national capitals – the other two being Cape Town, the legislative capital, and Pretoria, the administrative capital.Bloemfontein is popularly and... |
Loss | 17–43 | |
| 3 | 14 June 2008 | Centre | 12 | Away | Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria Pretoria Pretoria is a city located in the northern part of Gauteng Province, South Africa. It is one of the country's three capital cities, serving as the executive and de facto national capital; the others are Cape Town, the legislative capital, and Bloemfontein, the judicial capital.Pretoria is... |
Loss | 21–37 | |
| 4 | 8 November 2008 | Centre | 12 | Home | Millennium Stadium Millennium Stadium The Millennium Stadium is the national stadium of Wales, located in the capital, Cardiff. It is the home of the Wales national rugby union team and also frequently stages games of the Wales national football team, but is also host to many other large scale events, such as the Super Special Stage... , Cardiff Cardiff Cardiff is the capital, largest city and most populous county of Wales and the 10th largest city in the United Kingdom. The city is Wales' chief commercial centre, the base for most national cultural and sporting institutions, the Welsh national media, and the seat of the National Assembly for... |
Loss | 15–20 | |
| 5 | 14 November 2008 | Substitute | 22 | Away | Millennium Stadium Millennium Stadium The Millennium Stadium is the national stadium of Wales, located in the capital, Cardiff. It is the home of the Wales national rugby union team and also frequently stages games of the Wales national football team, but is also host to many other large scale events, such as the Super Special Stage... , Cardiff Cardiff Cardiff is the capital, largest city and most populous county of Wales and the 10th largest city in the United Kingdom. The city is Wales' chief commercial centre, the base for most national cultural and sporting institutions, the Welsh national media, and the seat of the National Assembly for... |
Win | 34–13 | |
| 6 | 22 November 2008 | Centre | 12 | Home | Millennium Stadium Millennium Stadium The Millennium Stadium is the national stadium of Wales, located in the capital, Cardiff. It is the home of the Wales national rugby union team and also frequently stages games of the Wales national football team, but is also host to many other large scale events, such as the Super Special Stage... , Cardiff Cardiff Cardiff is the capital, largest city and most populous county of Wales and the 10th largest city in the United Kingdom. The city is Wales' chief commercial centre, the base for most national cultural and sporting institutions, the Welsh national media, and the seat of the National Assembly for... |
Loss | 9–29 | |
| 7 | 29 November 2008 | Centre | 12 | Home | Millennium Stadium Millennium Stadium The Millennium Stadium is the national stadium of Wales, located in the capital, Cardiff. It is the home of the Wales national rugby union team and also frequently stages games of the Wales national football team, but is also host to many other large scale events, such as the Super Special Stage... , Cardiff Cardiff Cardiff is the capital, largest city and most populous county of Wales and the 10th largest city in the United Kingdom. The city is Wales' chief commercial centre, the base for most national cultural and sporting institutions, the Welsh national media, and the seat of the National Assembly for... |
Win | 21–18 | |
| 8 | 8 February 2009 | Centre | 12 | Away | Murrayfield Murrayfield Stadium Murrayfield Stadium is a sports stadium located in the west end of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. Its all-seater capacity was recently reduced from 67,800 to 67,130 to incorporate the largest permanent "big screen" in the country though it still remains the largest stadium in Scotland and one... , Edinburgh Edinburgh Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area... |
Win | 26–13 | |
| 9 | 14 February 2009 | Centre | 12 | Home | Millennium Stadium Millennium Stadium The Millennium Stadium is the national stadium of Wales, located in the capital, Cardiff. It is the home of the Wales national rugby union team and also frequently stages games of the Wales national football team, but is also host to many other large scale events, such as the Super Special Stage... , Cardiff Cardiff Cardiff is the capital, largest city and most populous county of Wales and the 10th largest city in the United Kingdom. The city is Wales' chief commercial centre, the base for most national cultural and sporting institutions, the Welsh national media, and the seat of the National Assembly for... |
Win | 23–15 | |
| 10 | 27 February 2009 | Centre | 12 | Away | Stade de France Stade de France The Stade de France is the national stadium of France, situated just north of Paris in the commune of Saint-Denis. It has an all-seater capacity of 80,000, making it the fifth largest stadium in Europe, and is used by both the France national football team and French rugby union team for... , Saint-Denis Saint-Denis Saint-Denis is a commune in the northern suburbs of Paris, France. It is located from the centre of Paris. Saint-Denis is a sous-préfecture of the Seine-Saint-Denis département, being the seat of the Arrondissement of Saint-Denis.... |
Loss | 15–21 | |
| 11 | 14 March 2009 | Centre | 13 | Away | Stadio Flaminio Stadio Flaminio The Stadio Flaminio is a stadium in Rome. It lies along the Via Flaminia, three kilometres northwest of the city centre, 300 metres away from the Parco di Villa Glori.... , Rome Rome Rome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half... |
Win | 20–15 | |
| 12 | 21 March 2009 | Substitute | 22 | Home | Millennium Stadium Millennium Stadium The Millennium Stadium is the national stadium of Wales, located in the capital, Cardiff. It is the home of the Wales national rugby union team and also frequently stages games of the Wales national football team, but is also host to many other large scale events, such as the Super Special Stage... , Cardiff Cardiff Cardiff is the capital, largest city and most populous county of Wales and the 10th largest city in the United Kingdom. The city is Wales' chief commercial centre, the base for most national cultural and sporting institutions, the Welsh national media, and the seat of the National Assembly for... |
Loss | 15–17 | |
| 13 | 7 November 2009 | Centre | 12 | Home | Millennium Stadium Millennium Stadium The Millennium Stadium is the national stadium of Wales, located in the capital, Cardiff. It is the home of the Wales national rugby union team and also frequently stages games of the Wales national football team, but is also host to many other large scale events, such as the Super Special Stage... , Cardiff Cardiff Cardiff is the capital, largest city and most populous county of Wales and the 10th largest city in the United Kingdom. The city is Wales' chief commercial centre, the base for most national cultural and sporting institutions, the Welsh national media, and the seat of the National Assembly for... |
Loss | 12–19 | |
| 14 | 13 November 2009 | Centre | 12 | Home | Millennium Stadium Millennium Stadium The Millennium Stadium is the national stadium of Wales, located in the capital, Cardiff. It is the home of the Wales national rugby union team and also frequently stages games of the Wales national football team, but is also host to many other large scale events, such as the Super Special Stage... , Cardiff Cardiff Cardiff is the capital, largest city and most populous county of Wales and the 10th largest city in the United Kingdom. The city is Wales' chief commercial centre, the base for most national cultural and sporting institutions, the Welsh national media, and the seat of the National Assembly for... |
Win | 17–13 | |
| 15 | 21 November 2009 | Centre | 13 | Home | Millennium Stadium Millennium Stadium The Millennium Stadium is the national stadium of Wales, located in the capital, Cardiff. It is the home of the Wales national rugby union team and also frequently stages games of the Wales national football team, but is also host to many other large scale events, such as the Super Special Stage... , Cardiff Cardiff Cardiff is the capital, largest city and most populous county of Wales and the 10th largest city in the United Kingdom. The city is Wales' chief commercial centre, the base for most national cultural and sporting institutions, the Welsh national media, and the seat of the National Assembly for... |
Win | 33–17 | |
| 16 | 28 November 2009 | Centre | 13 | Home | Millennium Stadium Millennium Stadium The Millennium Stadium is the national stadium of Wales, located in the capital, Cardiff. It is the home of the Wales national rugby union team and also frequently stages games of the Wales national football team, but is also host to many other large scale events, such as the Super Special Stage... , Cardiff Cardiff Cardiff is the capital, largest city and most populous county of Wales and the 10th largest city in the United Kingdom. The city is Wales' chief commercial centre, the base for most national cultural and sporting institutions, the Welsh national media, and the seat of the National Assembly for... |
Loss | 12–33 | |
| 17 | 6 February 2010 | Centre | 12 | Away | Twickenham Twickenham Stadium Twickenham Stadium is a stadium located in Twickenham, in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. It is the largest rugby union stadium in the United Kingdom and has recently been enlarged to seat 82,000... , London London London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its... |
Loss | 17–30 | |
| 18 | 13 February 2010 | Centre | 12 | Home | Millennium Stadium Millennium Stadium The Millennium Stadium is the national stadium of Wales, located in the capital, Cardiff. It is the home of the Wales national rugby union team and also frequently stages games of the Wales national football team, but is also host to many other large scale events, such as the Super Special Stage... , Cardiff Cardiff Cardiff is the capital, largest city and most populous county of Wales and the 10th largest city in the United Kingdom. The city is Wales' chief commercial centre, the base for most national cultural and sporting institutions, the Welsh national media, and the seat of the National Assembly for... |
Win | 31–24 | |
| 19 | 26 February 2010 | Centre | 12 | Home | Millennium Stadium Millennium Stadium The Millennium Stadium is the national stadium of Wales, located in the capital, Cardiff. It is the home of the Wales national rugby union team and also frequently stages games of the Wales national football team, but is also host to many other large scale events, such as the Super Special Stage... , Cardiff Cardiff Cardiff is the capital, largest city and most populous county of Wales and the 10th largest city in the United Kingdom. The city is Wales' chief commercial centre, the base for most national cultural and sporting institutions, the Welsh national media, and the seat of the National Assembly for... |
Loss | 20–26 | |
| 20 | 13 March 2010 | Centre | 12 | Away | Croke Park Croke Park Croke Park in Dublin is the principal stadium and headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association , Ireland's biggest sporting organisation... , Dublin |
Loss | 12–27 | |
| 21 | 20 March 2010 | Centre | 12 | Home | Millennium Stadium Millennium Stadium The Millennium Stadium is the national stadium of Wales, located in the capital, Cardiff. It is the home of the Wales national rugby union team and also frequently stages games of the Wales national football team, but is also host to many other large scale events, such as the Super Special Stage... , Cardiff Cardiff Cardiff is the capital, largest city and most populous county of Wales and the 10th largest city in the United Kingdom. The city is Wales' chief commercial centre, the base for most national cultural and sporting institutions, the Welsh national media, and the seat of the National Assembly for... |
Won | 33–10 | |
| 22 | 5 June 2010 | Centre | 12 | Home | Millennium Stadium Millennium Stadium The Millennium Stadium is the national stadium of Wales, located in the capital, Cardiff. It is the home of the Wales national rugby union team and also frequently stages games of the Wales national football team, but is also host to many other large scale events, such as the Super Special Stage... , Cardiff Cardiff Cardiff is the capital, largest city and most populous county of Wales and the 10th largest city in the United Kingdom. The city is Wales' chief commercial centre, the base for most national cultural and sporting institutions, the Welsh national media, and the seat of the National Assembly for... |
Loss | 31–34 | |
| 23 | 19 June 2010 | Centre | 12 | Away | Carisbrook Carisbrook Carisbrook was a major sporting venue in Dunedin, New Zealand. The city's main domestic and international rugby union venue, it has also been used for other sports such as cricket, football, rugby league and motocross. Carisbrook has also hosted a Joe Cocker concert and frequently hosted pre-game... , Dunedin Dunedin Dunedin is the second-largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, and the principal city of the Otago Region. It is considered to be one of the four main urban centres of New Zealand for historic, cultural, and geographic reasons. Dunedin was the largest city by territorial land area until... |
Loss | 9–42 | |
| 24 | 26 June 2010 | Centre | 12 | Away | Waikato Stadium Waikato Stadium Waikato Stadium is a major sporting and cultural events venue in Hamilton, New Zealand, with a total capacity of 25,800. Four areas contribute to this capacity: The Brian Perry Stand holding 12,000, the WEL Networks Stand holding 8,000, the Goal Line Terrace holding 800 and the Greenzone can hold... , Hamilton Hamilton, New Zealand Hamilton is the centre of New Zealand's fourth largest urban area, and Hamilton City is the country's fourth largest territorial authority. Hamilton is in the Waikato Region of the North Island, approximately south of Auckland... |
Loss | 10–29 | |
| 25 | 4 February 2011 | Centre | 13 | Home | Millennium Stadium Millennium Stadium The Millennium Stadium is the national stadium of Wales, located in the capital, Cardiff. It is the home of the Wales national rugby union team and also frequently stages games of the Wales national football team, but is also host to many other large scale events, such as the Super Special Stage... , Cardiff Cardiff Cardiff is the capital, largest city and most populous county of Wales and the 10th largest city in the United Kingdom. The city is Wales' chief commercial centre, the base for most national cultural and sporting institutions, the Welsh national media, and the seat of the National Assembly for... |
Loss | 19–26 | |
| 26 | 12 February 2011 | Centre | 13 | Away | Murrayfield Murrayfield Stadium Murrayfield Stadium is a sports stadium located in the west end of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. Its all-seater capacity was recently reduced from 67,800 to 67,130 to incorporate the largest permanent "big screen" in the country though it still remains the largest stadium in Scotland and one... , Edinburgh Edinburgh Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area... |
Won | 24-6 | |
| 27 | 26 February 2011 | Centre | 12 | Away | Stadio Flaminio Stadio Flaminio The Stadio Flaminio is a stadium in Rome. It lies along the Via Flaminia, three kilometres northwest of the city centre, 300 metres away from the Parco di Villa Glori.... , Rome Rome Rome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half... |
Won | 24-16 | |
| 28 | 12 March 2011 | Centre | 13 | Home | Millennium Stadium Millennium Stadium The Millennium Stadium is the national stadium of Wales, located in the capital, Cardiff. It is the home of the Wales national rugby union team and also frequently stages games of the Wales national football team, but is also host to many other large scale events, such as the Super Special Stage... , Cardiff Cardiff Cardiff is the capital, largest city and most populous county of Wales and the 10th largest city in the United Kingdom. The city is Wales' chief commercial centre, the base for most national cultural and sporting institutions, the Welsh national media, and the seat of the National Assembly for... |
Won | 19-13 | |
| 29 | 19 March 2011 | Centre | 13 | Away | Stade de France Stade de France The Stade de France is the national stadium of France, situated just north of Paris in the commune of Saint-Denis. It has an all-seater capacity of 80,000, making it the fifth largest stadium in Europe, and is used by both the France national football team and French rugby union team for... , Saint-Denis Saint-Denis Saint-Denis is a commune in the northern suburbs of Paris, France. It is located from the centre of Paris. Saint-Denis is a sous-préfecture of the Seine-Saint-Denis département, being the seat of the Arrondissement of Saint-Denis.... |
Loss | 9-28 | |
| 30 | 6 August 2011 | Centre | 12 | Away | Twickenham Twickenham Stadium Twickenham Stadium is a stadium located in Twickenham, in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. It is the largest rugby union stadium in the United Kingdom and has recently been enlarged to seat 82,000... , London London London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its... |
Loss | 19-23 | |
| 31 | 13 August 2011 | Centre | 13 | Home | Millennium Stadium Millennium Stadium The Millennium Stadium is the national stadium of Wales, located in the capital, Cardiff. It is the home of the Wales national rugby union team and also frequently stages games of the Wales national football team, but is also host to many other large scale events, such as the Super Special Stage... , Cardiff Cardiff Cardiff is the capital, largest city and most populous county of Wales and the 10th largest city in the United Kingdom. The city is Wales' chief commercial centre, the base for most national cultural and sporting institutions, the Welsh national media, and the seat of the National Assembly for... |
Win | 19-9 | |
| 32 | 20 August 2011 | Centre | 12 | Home | Millennium Stadium Millennium Stadium The Millennium Stadium is the national stadium of Wales, located in the capital, Cardiff. It is the home of the Wales national rugby union team and also frequently stages games of the Wales national football team, but is also host to many other large scale events, such as the Super Special Stage... , Cardiff Cardiff Cardiff is the capital, largest city and most populous county of Wales and the 10th largest city in the United Kingdom. The city is Wales' chief commercial centre, the base for most national cultural and sporting institutions, the Welsh national media, and the seat of the National Assembly for... |
Win | 28-13 | |
| 33 | 11 September 2011 | Centre | 12 | Rugby World Cup | Westpac Stadium Westpac Stadium Westpac Stadium, is a major sporting venue in Wellington, New Zealand. Due to its shape and silver coloured external walls, it is colloquially known as The Cake-Tin to the locals and other New Zealanders... , Wellington Wellington Wellington is the capital city and third most populous urban area of New Zealand, although it is likely to have surpassed Christchurch due to the exodus following the Canterbury Earthquake. It is at the southwestern tip of the North Island, between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range... |
Loss | 16-17 | |
| 34 | 18 September 2011 | Centre | 12 | Rugby World Cup | Waikato Stadium Waikato Stadium Waikato Stadium is a major sporting and cultural events venue in Hamilton, New Zealand, with a total capacity of 25,800. Four areas contribute to this capacity: The Brian Perry Stand holding 12,000, the WEL Networks Stand holding 8,000, the Goal Line Terrace holding 800 and the Greenzone can hold... , Hamilton Hamilton, New Zealand Hamilton is the centre of New Zealand's fourth largest urban area, and Hamilton City is the country's fourth largest territorial authority. Hamilton is in the Waikato Region of the North Island, approximately south of Auckland... |
Win | 17-10 | |
| 35 | 2 September 2011 | Centre | 12 | Rugby World Cup | Waikato Stadium Waikato Stadium Waikato Stadium is a major sporting and cultural events venue in Hamilton, New Zealand, with a total capacity of 25,800. Four areas contribute to this capacity: The Brian Perry Stand holding 12,000, the WEL Networks Stand holding 8,000, the Goal Line Terrace holding 800 and the Greenzone can hold... , Hamilton Hamilton, New Zealand Hamilton is the centre of New Zealand's fourth largest urban area, and Hamilton City is the country's fourth largest territorial authority. Hamilton is in the Waikato Region of the North Island, approximately south of Auckland... |
Win | 66-0 | |
| 36 | 8 October 2011 | Centre | 12 | Rugby World Cup | Westpac Stadium Westpac Stadium Westpac Stadium, is a major sporting venue in Wellington, New Zealand. Due to its shape and silver coloured external walls, it is colloquially known as The Cake-Tin to the locals and other New Zealanders... , Wellington Wellington Wellington is the capital city and third most populous urban area of New Zealand, although it is likely to have surpassed Christchurch due to the exodus following the Canterbury Earthquake. It is at the southwestern tip of the North Island, between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range... |
Win | 22-10 | |
| 37 | 15 October 2011 | Centre | 12 | Rugby World Cup | Eden Park Eden Park Eden Park is the biggest stadium in Auckland, New Zealand. It is used primarily for rugby union in winter and cricket in summer . The ground also occasionally hostts rugby league matches. To accommodate all three sports, the cricket pitch is removable... , Auckland Auckland The Auckland metropolitan area , in the North Island of New Zealand, is the largest and most populous urban area in the country with residents, percent of the country's population. Auckland also has the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world... |
Loss | 8-9 |
British and Irish Lions
| Cap Number | Date | Team | Position | Shirt Number | Venue | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 20 June 2009 | Centre | 12 | ABSA Stadium, Durban Durban Durban is the largest city in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal and the third largest city in South Africa. It forms part of the eThekwini metropolitan municipality. Durban is famous for being the busiest port in South Africa. It is also seen as one of the major centres of tourism... |
Loss | 21–26 | |
| 2 | 27 June 2009 | Centre | 12 | Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria Pretoria Pretoria is a city located in the northern part of Gauteng Province, South Africa. It is one of the country's three capital cities, serving as the executive and de facto national capital; the others are Cape Town, the legislative capital, and Bloemfontein, the judicial capital.Pretoria is... |
Loss | 25–28 |
Records Vs Nations
| Against | Played | Won | Drawn | Loss | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | % | |
| 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | % | |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | % | |
| 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | % | |
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | % | |
| 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | % | |
| 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | % | |
| 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | % | |
| 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | % | |
| 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | % | |
| 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | % | |
| 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 | % | |
| Total | 38 | 18 | 0 | 20 | % |
Awards
2007/08 Cardiff Blues Most Promising Player2009 British & Irish Lions Player of The Series
2009 BBC Wales Sports Personality Award Third Place
Personal life
He was educated at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg GlantafYsgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf
Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf is the largest Welsh-medium school in Wales. It is located on Bridge Road, Llandaff North, Cardiff, on the banks of the river Taff. The name 'Glantaf' means 'The bank of the river Taf' in Welsh. Of the two Welsh-medium secondary schools serving Cardiff, it was the first...
, and is currently studying medicine
Medicine
Medicine is the science and art of healing. It encompasses a variety of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health by the prevention and treatment of illness....
at Cardiff University
Cardiff University
Cardiff University is a leading research university located in the Cathays Park area of Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom. It received its Royal charter in 1883 and is a member of the Russell Group of Universities. The university is consistently recognised as providing high quality research-based...
. Roberts is also a patron for the anti-smoking pressure group and charity
Charitable organization
A charitable organization is a type of non-profit organization . It differs from other types of NPOs in that it centers on philanthropic goals A charitable organization is a type of non-profit organization (NPO). It differs from other types of NPOs in that it centers on philanthropic goals A...
ASH
Action on Smoking and Health
Action on Smoking and Health is the name of a number of autonomous pressure groups/charities throughout the world which seek to publicize the risks associated with tobacco smoking and campaigns for greater restrictions on cigarette and tobacco sales....
Wales
Wales
Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²...
.
In November 2009, Roberts announced his involvement in RuckingBall.com, an online community for the development of school-boy rugby, coaches and parents.
Roberts is known by many of his rugby playing friends as Quagmire. This was firstly brought to light by Brian O'Driscoll in a Scrum 5 interview.