Jamie’s experience would be a major asset in Cardiff

JAMIE Roberts’ rugby experience is unparalleled in Welsh rugby. That is why it would be great to see him come back to Wales at the end of his playing career and give back to the game in his homeland. It would be a fitting way to end.

I was with Jamie for quite a lot of time at the World Cup in Japan last year and he mentioned to me that he would like to finish his playing career back in Wales, where it all began.

He talked a bit about his plans to start a medical practice in Cardiff and he has just got engaged so I’m sure he will be thinking of the Welsh capital as a great place to start a family one day.

It goes without saying that as a qualified doctor Jamie is a very clever guy. He knows exactly what he wants out of life and I’d love to see him pass on his knowledge to the next generation of Wales players.

Just look at what Jamie has done. He’s played 94 Tests for Wales, three for the British & Irish Lions and also represented the Barbarians. He’s played club rugby in Wales, France, England and now South Africa and he’s not finished yet! What other Wales player can match those feats?

Not many.

I know Jamie is loving life with the Stormers at the moment. He had a great start to life in Super Rugby before the spread of coronavirus ended the season and it will be of huge benefit to him to have played in that competition. I must admit I envy him if I’m honest.

I would have loved to have had a crack at Super Rugby. It’s such a fantastic tournament played in brilliant conditions and with a totally different style of play.

It will only improve Jamie as a player and I know he is thinking about the USA and Japan as potential future options too.

Time will tell whether that happens or not, but I really admire Jamie’s desire to return to his first team of Cardiff Blues. You don’t often hear players say things like that these days (see back page).

Whether Jamie will play for the Blues again is a matter for debate. I’m sure there will be a financial bridge to cross there, but even if he doesn’t pull on the shirt, the Blues must at the very least explore the possibility of him returning to Cardiff

Arms Park in a coaching/ mentor capacity.

I don’t know if Jamie fancies coaching or anything like that, but just having him there to provide guidance to future players would be of huge benefit.

Jamie is 33 and still has a few years left in him as a player, but when he does finally decide to call it a day Wales must lean on his offer of help.

He is one of our best ever players and cannot be ignored.