Cardiff Blues and Wales star centre Jamie Roberts has exclusively revealed that he could leave the Welsh region when his current contract runs out in 2013.
The admission comes in S4C series Jamie Roberts: Rygbi a Mwy, to be broadcast in full on Friday 29 October, 22:00. Jamie admits that he currently loves playing for the Blues but would like to taste life in England or France later in his career.
Rygbi a Mwy offers viewers an opportunity to learn more about some of Wales’ favourite present and past rugby stars, including Gareth Edwards, Shane Williams, Stephen Jones, Gwyn Jones, Clive Rowlands, Gareth Davies and Ieuan Evans.
During the candid interview, Jamie tells presenter Rhodri Williams how he’d like to see out his current contract with the Blues and graduating from his university course before contemplating life away from his hometown – and away from Wales.
Jamie said: “I don’t see myself playing for the Blues throughout my whole career. I want to still be playing when I’m 34 or 35 and I want to taste different clubs before that, maybe in London or France. But at the moment, I’m really happy at the Blues and things are going well for me playing for Wales – it would be silly of me to think about leaving Wales anytime soon.
“I’m still quite young so it would be good for me to live in different places and gain new experiences, to learn about different cultures and in the process, learn about me as a person. I’ve got two seasons left with the Blues after this current season – up until when I graduate from my Medicine degree at Cardiff University. Once I finish that, I’ll be starting a new chapter in my life – maybe at a different club – and hopefully playing my best rugby.”
Because of a wrist injury, Jamie – who was named Lions Player of the Tour in 2009 – has been sidelined for some months. It was confirmed recently that he will definitely miss out on the autumn internationals in November as his recuperations continue. He expects to be back in action in December.
“The doctor thinks that I’ll be back just before Christmas (five months after the operation on his wrist). Hopefully, I might be able to return sooner for the Heineken Cup games at the start of December, but it will be difficult to go straight into those physical encounters. The first thing I have to do is win my place back in the team. Obviously, the boys at centre – for the Blues and Wales – have been playing well and I’ll have to work harder than ever to regain my spot.”
Viewers will also see a different side to the centre in the S4C programme. Jamie – a keen musician – fulfils a boyhood dream when he gets to record a track at a music studio where he sings and plays the guitar.
Jamie Roberts: Rygbi a Mwy
Friday, 29 October, 22:00, S4C
English subtitles available
Also available to watch online at s4c.co.uk/clic for up to 35 days after transmission
