Wales legend Jamie Roberts brings the curtain down on a phenomenal 15-year career

‘I’ve achieved far more than I ever dreamed of’: As Wales legend JAMIE ROBERTS brings the curtain down on a phenomenal 15-year career, he looks back on his time on the pitch in a special Sportsmail column including Grand Slam glory and Lions honours

  • Jamie Roberts has announced his retirement from rugby after a 15-year career 
  • The Wales centre won 94 caps for his country, and also played for the Lions  
  • He represented seven different clubs, in five countries across three continents
  • Here, Roberts pens a special column for Sportsmail on hanging up his boots 

Wales legend Jamie Roberts has finally hung up his boots after an incredible 15 years at the top of rugby union.

The centre, who had once captained his country, won 94 caps at Test level during a career that saw him play for seven clubs across five countries and three continents. He was also selected for two British and Irish Lions tours, named player of the tour during the 2009 trip to South Africa. 

On making his decision, the 35-year-old has penned a column for Sportsmail, taking in his decision to bring the curtain down on a hugely succesful career, while expressing his gratitude to all those who helped him along the way.  

Jamie Roberts has hung up his boots after a fine career that spanned a decade and a half

It’s funny how the world works. As I was sitting in my hotel room writing a retirement statement on Monday evening, I received a phone call from Wayne Pivac. He knew I was in Cape Town and he asked me if I could come down to help out with Wales training because they were short of numbers.

They had to find me a pair of size 12s for one last time. It was a poignant way to sign off. It was pretty emotional seeing the coaches like Martyn Williams, Gethin Jenkins and Stephen Jones. I idolised those guys when I was making baby steps into the game and it felt a bit like things had gone full circle.

Roberts started out his professional career at Cardiff Blues and was noticed by Wales selectors

Roberts started out his professional career at Cardiff Blues and was noticed by Wales selectors

And then there was the young guys. These new, fresh-faced players with their careers ahead of them. They remind me of myself 15 years ago. I’m excited for them. If I could give them one message it would be that for a short while they’ll have the best job in the world. It is only a short while, though, because it goes by so damn quick. You have to be grateful for every moment.

Growing up as a kid in Wales, there was only one sport I wanted to play. That was rugby union. I remember coming through the ranks of Cardiff as a 17-year-old. Looking around the gym and seeing guys like Martyn, Gethin and Tom Shanklin. I loved it. The rugby pitch was where I always felt a sense of belonging.

Roberts was involved in two British and Irish Lions tours, to both South Africa and Australia

Roberts was involved in two British and Irish Lions tours, to both South Africa and Australia

Roberts with the Six Nations trophy in 2013, the third and final time he lifted the cup

Roberts with the Six Nations trophy in 2013, the third and final time he lifted the cup

I was a confident lad, a bit of a know it all, but our sport always has a way of humbling you. I made my debut on the wing for Cardiff against the Ospreys in 2007. I was still at university and I sorted out tickets for my mates. They were all there at the Arms Park, on the tear up, and I gave away a penalty in the last minute. Fortunately their No 10 missed the kick and I’ve never felt so relieved. If they’d got those three points and we’d lost the game, I might never have been picked again!

Luckily Dai Young gave me another chance. Things moved pretty quickly and rugby has given me some unreal experiences around the world. It’s hard to put into words how much gratitude I feel. That’s the main emotion; gratitude. I’ve maximised every opportunity and I’m grateful to Cardiff, the Barbarians, Wales and everyone else.

I’ve achieved far more than I ever dreamed of. You’re part of something very special when you wear these three feathers of Wales. It’s a very distinct club. Nothing else can really replicate that immense feeling. The pride of singing the national anthem To do it once is special. To do I 94 times is incredible. I was fortunate enough to captain my country and I’ll take that to the grave with me.

A colossus in the middle of the park, Roberts' strength made him a formidable inside centre

A colossus in the middle of the park, Roberts’ strength made him a formidable inside centre

Over the years, I’ve learnt to take in the lows as much as the highs. Tears of joy and tears of happiness. The ecstasy of being selected two Lions tours versus the despair of lying on the operation table. I’ve been there a few times!

When I reflect, I’m glad I took myself out of the comfort zone of home. Leaving Cardiff for Paris as a young lad was life changing. It opened up my eyes to the world. Not many careers allow you to do that. It’s opened the door to so many special moments. Rare opportunities like going to Grands Prix and seeing Daniel Craig – James Bond! – in the changing rooms.

There’s too many coaches and team-mates to mention. Guys at Cardiff, Racing 92, Wales, Uni, Bath, the Lions, Harlequins, the Stormers, the Dragons, the Waratahs. There are so many people to say ‘thank you’ to but none more so than my mum and dad. 

They took me along to Cardiff rugby club as a six-year-old. That lit a flame in me that has stayed with me until this day. It’s tough to walk away, and there have been a few tears, but I can walk away with a healthy body and a huge sense of gratitude.

MY THREE TOUGHEST OPPONENTS

Jean de Villiers

My first Wales game at 12 was against Jean. Loftus in 2008. We played in a similar way and were a similar build. He was a real stalwart who I looked up to.

Ma’a Nonu

He had this low centre of gravity that allowed him to change his point of contact so late. You think you’d have a shot but, bang, he was gone.

Shane Williams

Fortunately we were on the same team more often than not! The best player I’ve been on a pitch with. Those little’uns were tough to catch!

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