One of Welsh rugby’s most respected and celebrated players, Jamie Roberts, has been made an Honorary Fellow by Cardiff Metropolitan University.
With 94 caps for Wales, two British & Irish Lions tours and two Rugby World Cup tournaments to his name, the centre played in some of Wales’ most high-profile competitions across a 17-year career.
Off the pitch, Jamie pursued a career in medicine and is a Cardiff Met alumni achieving first class honours in BSc in Sports & Exercise Science in 2009 before going onto a Bachelor of Medicine (MBBS) from Cardiff University in 2013. A Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Medical Science at Cambridge University was followed by a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Loughborough University in 2020.
Speaking about the accolade at Cardiff Met’s Graduation Ceremonies 2023 at the Wales Millennium Centre, Jamie said: “Since retiring from the game, it’s been great to reflect on my time spent at university alongside my playing career. Studying not only allowed me a different focus and challenge away from the game, it also helped me grow and develop as a person and become a better player. I’ve never underestimated and certainly always appreciated the educational and social benefits of university life.
“I remember fondly my year spent at UWIC – it’s previous name before becoming Cardiff Met. It gave me an opportunity to acquire knowledge in a field I have a passion for while leaning on my learnings from Medicine. It was certainly an enjoyable year and I’m forever grateful to the support of the academic staff who supported me.”
After hanging up his rugby boots in 2022, Jamie is now a trustee for The British & Irish Lions Charitable Trust.
Jamie also had a message for Cardiff Met’s Class of 2023, saying: “Congratulations to those graduating this year. Graduation will certainly feel like the end of a journey for many, yet for the majority, it is just the beginning of your professional life. For sure, the degree certificate will look pretty on the wall, but the journey you went on to achieve it matters far more.”
Huw Wiltshire, Deputy Dean of the Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences at Cardiff Met, said: “There is no doubt that Jamie has had one of the most successful careers in Welsh rugby history but he’s achieved this alongside many years of dedication to his education. This won’t have been an easy balance and Jamie’s passion for learning is clear. We’re proud to have been where he called home for his first degree and hope that his drive and enthusiasm to further himself in his career off the pitch will act as a source of inspiration for our graduates.”
