Former Wales rugby international Jamie Roberts has transitioned to a career as a doctor and is now working as a resident doctor in south Wales. It has been 13 years since the ex-Cardiff, Bath and Racing 92 centre graduated from Cardiff University with a degree in medicine.
From Grand Slams to the Emergency Department
Roberts helped Wales clinch three Six Nations titles, including Grand Slam triumphs in 2008 and 2012. The 39-year-old also competed at two Rugby World Cups, finishing fourth with Wales in 2011 before exiting at the quarter-final stage in 2015. He is a three-times capped British and Irish Lion.
Roberts described the “enjoyable chaos” of working in his new environment, choosing to trade one hectic lifestyle for another where most retired athletes opt for a more relaxing lifestyle.
Learning Every Day
“Life isn't easy now, but I love it that way,” he told BBC News in December 2025. “When it's challenging my comfort zone I'm learning every day.”
In addition to his first degree, Roberts earned a Master of Philosophy in medical science from Cambridge University’s Queen’s College in 2017. He later completed postgraduate degrees at Loughborough University, where he was given a Master of Business Administration in 2021.
First Week in the Emergency Department
As part of his foundation programme, Roberts is gaining experience in different areas of medicine at different sites in Wales. He recently had his first taste of working in the emergency department and shared an update on Instagram.
“First week in the Emergency Dept,” he wrote in the caption, posted last week. “Remember sitting in A&E plenty of times as a kid growing up in Cardiff. A different experience the other side of the door. High pressure and challenge, high support, loads of problem solving. Plenty of parallels with the previous career.”
“Just switched over after an enjoyable four months in Trauma & Orthopaedics. Enjoyed seeing some good trauma cases, an abundance of femoral neck fractures and helping our peri-operative patients on the wards.”
Rugby Connections Remain
Roberts has not completely detached from rugby and maintains his link through punditry roles with the BBC and ITV. He also works as an after-dinner speaker.
“Therein lies the challenge, isn't it?” he told the BBC last year. “I always thought that I didn't want rugby to define the second half of my life. As much as my past life is going to play a part you still need to start as a junior and work your way up the ladder.”
