British Lions rugby star and qualified doctor Jamie Roberts flies home from South Africa to work as a volunteer medic helping tackle coronavirus at the Cardiff hospital where he first trained
- Jamie Roberts has been playing for Super Rugby outfit Stormers in South Africa
- The former Wales international has returned to the UK to volunteer with the NHS
- Roberts is a qualfied doctor and will be working at University Hospital Wales
A top British and Irish Lions star joined the NHS for free to help tackle coronavirus – because he’s a qualified doctor.
The former Wales international Jamie Roberts had been playing for The Stormers in South Africa but flew home to help after the rugby season was put on hold.
And he will restart his health career working as a volunteer alongside doctors and nurses at the hospital where he trained.
Ex-British and Irish Lions star Jamie Roberts has returned to the UK to volunteer as a doctor
Roberts is a qualified doctor and is working at University Hospital Wales to battle coronavirus
Roberts, 33, says he will be given a ‘motivational role’ at the University Hospital Wales, Cardiff, because he has never worked clinically.
He said: ‘I have spent the last three months living in Cape Town, but obviously rugby out there was postponed indefinitely, so I came back to the UK.
‘I just thought how can I play my part in this challenge we are all facing?
‘Obviously I am sitting on a medical degree from Cardiff University.. I graduated in 2013 and did a bit of research between then and now.
‘I thought do you know what, I would love to help the cause here in Cardiff with the health board that helped me train as a doctor.
‘Although I have never worked clinically, I just thought I could help lend an extra pair of hands, an extra brain into helping solve the challenge.
‘My first few days here have been inspiring, to see how hard people are working and everyone playing their part.
‘I won’t be doing any skilled clinical work. I may be on the wards doing some basic work.
Roberts had been enjoying his time in South Africa before the outbreak of coronavirus
‘My role here is to help motivate staff and help the communications team, making sure we get the right messages across to the public and playing my role within an unbelievable team.
‘I was never aware of exactly what goes on behind the scenes.
‘The energy and enthusiasm is palpable and that’s inspiring during a time like this.
‘So whatever I can do to help our staff at HQ and in the front line as well I am keen to play my part.
‘With a medical background as well, I hope that helps.’