Jamie Roberts is now a junior doctor and he has opened up on his first few weeks in the job
11:47, 23 Aug 2025Updated 11:51, 23 Aug 2025
Jamie Roberts has returned to medicine. (Image: Rob Browne)
Jamie Roberts’ first month as a junior doctor with the Cardiff and Vale Foundation Trust has been eventful to say the least.
The former Wales centre always thrived under pressure on the rugby field but it is nothing compared to what he has faced as a junior doctor so far.
Roberts works four days a week as a resident doctor and his first few weeks in the job have been a whirlwind, facing some difficult moments already. But, as he says, it’s all part and parcel of the role.
“The first couple of weeks have been crazy,” he told MailOnline.
“I’ve been involved in a resuscitation where unfortunately the patient didn’t make it, a collapsed lung and a patient who had a fitting condition.
“That’s come quite early.
“But it’s part of the job. I’ve probably used my mind more in the last two weeks than I have in the last two years and that’s given me great pleasure because it’s what I enjoy. I’m stretching myself.
“You can never know everything as a doctor. It’s not possible. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
“I’m doing at 38 what the majority of medical graduates do at 23 or 24, so my working cohort are a lot younger than me.
“It’s actually been refreshing. I’ve enjoyed being around younger people. It keeps me young!”
Roberts will mix his career as a doctor with his role as an independent non-executive director on the Welsh Rugby Union board, along with various jobs in the media.
But even while on duty as a doctor his former rugby career follows him around, with patients asking for selfies a common occurrence.
“You can see the joy it brings patients to talk about rugby,” he told MailOnline. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here.
“It shows the passion people still have for the game in Wales.
“If doing that with me brings joy to them while they’re in hospital, then that’s amazing.
“I keep reminding my colleagues I’m just a kid from Cardiff who used to be good at rugby.
“That was my past life. Now we’re in real life.”
Roberts insists he thrives under pressure and is excited for a new challenge. Join WalesOnline Rugby’s WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free
“I still have pressure. In medicine, it comes from doing right by the patient. It’s been in at the deep end,” he added.
“But I’ve loved it. I do my first overnight shifts this weekend, so that will be another challenge but one I’m looking forward to.
“I’m working as a doctor 80 per cent of my time because I have a young family, but also because I want to stay involved in the game. It’s given me so much.
“I want to give back to it. Part of me would love to coach one day.
“I’m involved in the media which I enjoy. The WRU board stuff is great. I’m non-executive which brings pros and cons. I still have a huge passion for Welsh rugby.
“We all want it to be successful and for Wales to get back to the top. I played in some bloody good teams and when I look back, the best thing about them was they were full of people ready to speak their mind and enjoy healthy challenge. I’m never afraid to do that.
“I hope that will carry me well in medicine and in life.”