Jamie Roberts, the Dragons centre, will be leaving the region at January’s end for “personal reasons”. He is now set to connect with the Waratahs of Australia.
With the blessing of Dean Ryan, director of rugby, Roberts was granted an early release under his Dragons contract.
The 35 year-old will relocate to Australia to be with his Sydney-born partner, who is expecting their 2nd child.
Roberts said, “It is with heavy hearts I’m leaving Dragons.”
“I’d like Dean to personally thank for understanding my personal situation.
“As my Sydney-born wife is due with our second child in March,” we believe it is the best decision for us to surround our family in Sydney during this time.
The Sydney-based Waratahs will open their Super Rugby campaign against Fijian Drua in February. They are expected to confirm Roberts’ signing shortly.
Roberts joined Dragons on August 2020. In 23 appearances for Gwent, he has scored five tries. Roberts has been a part of five Dragons victories, and 18 losses.
This season, the Dragons have lost nine of 10 competitive games.
Roberts could make his final appearance against Benetton at the United Rugby Championship on January 28th at Rodney Parade. However, that has not been confirmed.
Roberts added, “It will be difficult to leave, but it’ll bring me many fond memories.”
“Aside from enjoying playing and wearing the jersey, I have taken great pleasure in watching the growth and development and many of the young players in the squad.
“It’s been great playing back at Rodney Parade where my parents took to me as a young boy growing up to observe the Black and Ambers.
“Although supporters were unable to attend as many as they wanted, due to obvious reasons, I would like to thank them all for their support.
“I wish the coaching team and the players all the very best as they move forward.”
Roberts was back in Welsh domestic rugby seven years after an absence. He joined Dragons following a short stint in South Africa with the Stormers.
He was a member of Racing 92, France’s national team. He also played for Harlequins (England) and Bath (England).
Roberts won the 94 Wales final in November 2017. He then went on to two tours with British and Irish Lions, in South Africa in 2009, and Australia four years later.
Ryan expressed gratitude to Jamie for his time at Dragons as well as the support he provided, including helping stabilize the environment and encouraging the youngsters to follow his lead.
“We support the difficult decision he made.
“We wish him a safe journey to Australia and look ahead to welcoming him back to Rodney Parade with his family in the years to follow.”
