Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Jamie Roberts is currently training to become a qualified doctor
Jamie Roberts is no stranger to an adrenaline-filled work environment after a glittering rugby career in which he racked up 94 caps for Wales .
But the towering former centre is now six months into a very different journey – navigating the “enjoyable chaos” of the NHS as he works towards becoming a fully qualified doctor.
The 39-year-old admits it has been a “steep learning curve” as he swaps out the set pieces for the stethoscope in his new role at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.
But he insists it is a “privilege” to be making a difference on the ward, becoming the latest Welsh rugby icon to pursue a medical career once their playing days come to an end.
The rugby legend is a well-known figure across Wales – but it is not lost on him that, in some ways, he is starting at the bottom of the ladder once again.
“Therein lies the challenge, isn’t it?,” he says.
“I always thoughts 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.”
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Roberts was a fixture of the Welsh rugby union team after making his international debut in 2008
Roberts has worked in the geriatric ward and has now transitioned into a surgical rotation at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.
He says his experiences so far have made him appreciate the scope of what he must learn to “reach those heights”.
“I was in the theatre yesterday and just in awe of the surgeons operating here – the knowledge base and the work that it must have taken to get there.”
Roberts describes the environment as “inspirational”, adding that it made him appreciate the “lifelong learning” that NHS staff will do.
“Even in my first four months, I’ve had some crazy experiences that you never even think of having in your life.”
Roberts’ commitment to become a doctor has been clear for some time.
He graduated from Cardiff University’s school of medicine 12 years ago and sat his final undergraduate exams in the same week he helped Wales win the Six Nations with a record 30-3 win over England.
He is still “obsessed” with rugby and says he intends to continue his punditry and analysis work alongside his fledgling medical career.
“It’s not like I’ve chosen one or the other.
“During my playing career, I managed to do both and I’d hate to leave the game completely.”
The word “balance” is something that he says he talks about often.
“Life isn’t easy now, but I love it that way. When it’s challenging my comfort zone I’m learning every day.”
Roberts says it is not uncommon for him to be recognised by patients and he is more than happy to “chew the fat over days gone by”.
“I’m going to cross paths with people who have probably watched me play and want to have a chat.
“As long as it doesn’t impact my work, that’s fine, it’s been great.”
Roberts sees it as a “healthy conversation” which can only benefit his patients, and as a result, he is “embracing it”.
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The former British and Irish Lions says he is still “obsessed” with rugby despite retiring from the game
Roberts is one of several Welsh rugby players to shift into a medical career even before their playing days are over.
But he admits it is “becoming even harder” to balance the two because of the demands of the modern game.
“It was always very, very challenging,” he said.
“But to try and achieve in both is getting harder and harder by the year because of what you need to give the game.”
His former international teammate Hallam Amos decided to end his rugby career prematurely which helped him to complete his medical training at an earlier stage in life.
Roberts says the guys who have been able to succeed in both professions are “hugely inspiring” and has stressed that life is like parenting.
“There is no right way. You can read all the books in the world but you have to find your own way of doing things.”
His message to any young person in a similar situation is that “you can do both”.
“You don’t have to. But there is no limit to what people can achieve.”