He tries, he scores: Wales legend graduates from Cambridge University

Wales rugby legend Jamie Roberts has formally graduated from Queens College, Cambridge after gaining a Master of Philosophy in medical science.

Roberts enrolled at the University of Cambridge following the 2015 Rugby World Cup on a two-year, part-time basis and gained the MPhil in 2017

Speaking in 2015 he said: “It’s impossible for me to work as a doctor while I’m still playing professionally so this is a nice transition. Topping up my education but without having to work as a doctor”

He attended a graduation celebration on Friday at Senate House in Cambridge with his family and announced the news on his Twitter feed, posting a picture of him and his baby.

Graduation day with my @Cambridge_Uni mascot @QueensCam

🎓👨‍🎓📝🍾🥂 pic.twitter.com/lArjklR90p

— Jamie Roberts (@Jamiehuwroberts) September 17, 2021

Degrees of success

Roberts achieved a BSc in sports & exercise science at Cardiff Metropolitan University in 2009 and then his Bachelor of Medicine (MBBS) from Cardiff University in 2013.

He then completed his medical qualifications at Cambridge and before going straight on to complete a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Loughborough University in 2020.

Since his Welsh team debut in 2008, Roberts’ illustrious career has seen 94 caps for Wales, Grand Slam wins, 45 consecutive Six Nations appearances, and three caps for the British & Irish Lions tours to South Africa and Australia.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Roberts volunteered to help the NHS in Cardiff as a clinical innovation fellow.

Speaking last year about his role, he said: “The frontline workers are working hard on the wards, and I won’t be doing too much clinical work, just helping the staff at the HQ.

“I’m in north Cardiff and just offering my support wherever I can really. The first thing I’ve noticed is the last three days is just everyone playing their part in the team.

“You watch a rugby game and see how we operate as a team; everyone needs to play their part to contribute to the win, but the problem facing the public at the minute, everyone has a role to play.”

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Struggle

In 2018, Roberts told the Telegraph that he was unsure what to do once his rugby career came to an end.

“I am in no doubt that I will struggle when I eventually finish playing,” he said.

“It is difficult now. The reason I have gone on to a business degree five years after graduating from medicine – I wouldn’t say I have forgotten all the work from medicine, but I really am not sure what I want to do after playing.

“That is why I am giving myself another angle – I can’t work as a doctor until I retire.”

Roberts joined the Dragons last year and their next match is against the Ospreys at 2pm on September 26^th at Rodney Parade.