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Welsh center Jamie Roberts has traded the rugby ball for a stethoscope after catching one of the last flights from South Africa before the national COVID-19 blockade took effect.
The former international joined the Stormers ahead of the 2019 Super Rugby season, but returned to his home country after matches were suspended due to the increasing spread of the new virus.
Welsh star reaches out to fight COVID-19 pandemic
After graduating with a medical degree in 2013, he has volunteered to help in Wales’ effort against the pandemic.
Roberts has linked with the National Health Service (NHS), assuming the role of clinical innovation fellow in Cardiff.
“I have spent the last three months living in Cape Town, but obviously rugby was postponed indefinitely, so I returned to the UK,” Roberts told the Welsh Rugby Union website.
“I just thought how can I play my part in this challenge that we all face? I thought 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 thought I could lend him an extra pair of hands and an extra brain to help solve the challenge.
“My first few days here have been inspiring, to see how hard people are working and everyone playing their part. I will not do any specialized clinical work. I can be in the rooms doing basic work.
“My role here is to help motivate staff, help the communications team make sure we get the right messages across to the public, and play my role within an amazing team.
“I was never aware of what exactly goes on behind the scenes. The energy and enthusiasm are palpable and that is inspiring at a time like this.
“So whatever I can do to help our staff at headquarters and on the front lines, I am also willing to do my part. With a medical history too, I hope it helps. ”
Jamie Roberts
Roberts has 94 international matches for Wales in a career that has spanned more than ten years.
The 33-year-old joined the Stormers in January 2020, weeks before the season ended.
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