'Doc' Roberts

Cardiff medical student, Jamie Roberts will add a medical degree this summer to his long list of accolades.

Jamie received his exam results today (Monday 15^th April) confirming he has passed his undergraduate medical degree.

It marks the end of a gruelling eight year academic journey and a successful few weeks, which has seen the award-winning British & Irish Lions centre help Wales secure the RBS Six Nation's title and play at Cardiff Arms Park for the last time.

Receiving his results, Jamie said: "I am very proud to have finally come to the end of my eight years at Cardiff University's School of Medicine.

"It's a been a long, hard road and I would like to say a huge thanks to the School of Medicine for allowing me to undertake my studies, part-time.

"I pay tribute to the Dean of Medicine, Professor Paul Morgan and all in the Undergraduate Office for allowing me to balance my studies and rugby and a special thanks to Dr Andrew Freedman for his personal support over the last four years.

"I am looking forward especially to a few lie-ins after lots of early mornings in the library before and after training. It's been tough but it's been worth every second to achieve one of my main goals in life.

"My gut reaction is one of relief, I'm sure it will sink in over the next couple of days.

"My nickname amongst team mates has, for some time, been "Doc" and I've always felt like a little bit of a fraud. It's nice that I'll finally be able to call myself a doctor."

Dean of Cardiff University's School of Medicine, Professor Paul Morgan said: "The academic rigour and intensity of studying for a medical degree is challenging for most students – especially for someone juggling with a life as a professional rugby player.

"Jamie would be the first to admit it's been an extremely challenging time but nevertheless it is clear from my conversations with him that it has been an enjoyable experience.

"I am very proud of his academic and sporting successes and pleased to have played a role. His determination to succeed in medicine, together with lots of hard work and the support, facilities and teaching excellence we have at the School of Medicine have combined to help Jamie secure his degree. 

"On behalf of everyone at the School of Medicine, I wish Jamie and all of our medical students who have received their results today the best of luck in their future medical careers."

Jamie Roberts joins a list of illustrious Welsh rugby internationals to have juggled their medical careers with sport. JPR Williams, Dr Jack Matthews OBS and Dr Gwyn Jones all combined their medical career with top-flight Welsh rugby. 

Cardiff University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Colin Riordan said: "Cardiff University is rightly proud of our medical students and their successes.

"Balancing the demands of top-class sport with the intensive study required for medicine is not easy, particularly in rugby's professional era. It is a tribute to Jamie that he has successfully completed that journey.

 "On behalf of us all at Cardiff University we wish Jamie well in his future medical career."