Welsh rugby icon Jamie Roberts, a veteran of two British & Irish Lions tours, has seamlessly transitioned from the pressure of international sport to the high-stakes environment of the NHS, embarking on a new career as a doctor.
From the Pitch to the Hospital Ward
The former centre, who earned 94 caps for Wales and won three Six Nations titles, remarkably studied medicine during the peak of his playing career. Roberts would arrive early to training sessions to revise for crucial exams, balancing the demands of international test weeks with his academic pursuits.
After retiring from professional rugby in 2022, Roberts has now fully embraced his medical vocation. This summer, he began working as a resident doctor at Llandough Hospital in Cardiff, following his successful passing of a clinical exam in November last year.
Craving Pressure and Responsibility
In an exclusive interview, Roberts explained the driving force behind his career shift. "I crave pressure, responsibility and accountability," the former Cardiff Rugby back revealed. "It has taken me a while to work out exactly what I miss from the game and that's it."
He elaborated on the parallels between his former and current professions: "I love problem-solving, I love working with people... Medicine and being a doctor ticks a lot of boxes. It's problem-solving, it's in science, it's working with people, it brings significant pressure and responsibility."
Balancing Multiple Roles
Roberts has structured his working life to maintain connections to both medicine and rugby. He has arranged an 80% commitment with the NHS, allowing him one day per week to continue his work as a pundit for TNT Sports during their autumn internationals coverage.
Additionally, he serves as a non-executive director on the board of the Welsh Rugby Union, where he was recently part of the unanimous decision to reduce the number of Welsh regions to three by 2028.
The former sports star will complete two foundation years with the NHS, rotating through various specialities including:
- Geriatrics
- Emergency medicine
- Trauma orthopedics
- Cardiovascular medicine
- Respiratory medicine
- Colorectal surgery
Roberts expressed his enthusiasm for joining "another great team in the NHS," demonstrating that the teamwork ethos he valued in rugby continues to drive his success in his second, life-saving career.
