The NSW Waratahs have confirmed the signing of Wales and British and Irish Lions great Jamie Roberts on a one-year deal.
Roberts, one of the world’s hardest running centres who has played 94 Tests for Wales, has a partner from Sydney and joins the struggling Super Rugby club as injury cover.
The 35-year-old wasn’t originally on new coach Darren Coleman’s radar but injuries to young midfielders Joey Walton and Mosese Tuipulotu left NSW short in that department.
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“I’m really excited to join the Waratahs,” said Roberts, who will play his final match for Welsh club Dragons on Saturday before jetting to Sydney.
“The adventure of playing in a new competition in a different country outside my comfort zone excites me.
“As my Sydney-born partner is expecting our second child in March, we feel the best decision for our family is to be surrounded by her support network in Sydney.
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“On the rugby front, I’m looking to hit the ground running, get up to speed quickly, perform on the pitch and help drive success.
“Hopefully I can impart some of my knowledge and insight to the talented youngsters on the team, keep improving as a player and keep developing as a person for what may come after.”
Roberts’ rugby CV cannot be questioned.
He scored the series-clinching try for the Lions against the Wallabies in 2013 and was the player of the series in the 2009 tour of South Africa.
Roberts played in the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cups and won three Six Nations titles with Wales including two Grand Slams.
He also has a reputation as one of the most respected and liked teammates in the game so the only question is how much more petrol he has in the tank after playing with such a fearless style for so many years.
“Losing two of our centres in Joey Walton and Mosese Tuipulotu was a big blow as we view them as the future of the side,” explained Coleman, who has inherited a young squad that failed to win a single game last season.
“So, to be able to bring in a player with the experience and talent that Jamie has on an injury coverage contract is huge for us.
“Jamie has been playing at a consistently high level with Dragons in Wales this season and adds a really big body for go forward and is very sound defensively.
“He adds vital depth in our midfield and will complement the mix of players we currently have.
“Off the field he will also add a lot to the group and our team culture with his professionalism and experience.”
Impressively, Roberts is also a qualified doctor after graduating from Cardiff University School of Medicine in 2013 after eight years of study.
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The Waratahs play their first trial match of the year against the Brumbies in Bowral on Saturday.
NSW opens its Super Rugby Pacific campaign against new club Fijian Drua in Parramatta on February 18.
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