Dragons secure signing of one of world rugby's toughest players

Jamie Roberts will make his return to club rugby in Wales with immediate effect, having signed a deal to join Newport-based Pro14 side the Dragons.

Roberts, who was born in Newport, will surely be a big asset to the Welsh franchise having won 94 caps for his country and plied his trade with a number of high-profile clubs over the years including Harlequins, the Stormers, Bath, Racing 92 and Cardiff Blues.

More notably, Roberts will add a physicality and tenacity which was no better demonstrated than when the qualified doctor played on heroically with a fractured skull against Australia in the 2008 end-of-year internationals at the Millennium Stadium.

That head clash with Stirling Mortlock was a sickening blow and the severity of the impact was not immediately noticed. Thankfully, it was but only after Roberts nearly scored a try shortly after, proving he was made of something substantially tougher than human material.

A big tackler and an equally efficient ball carrier, the Dragons will undoubtedly benefit from 33-year-old Roberts’ experience at international level and both the player and club are understandably excited about the deal.

🚨 SIGNING | He’s coming home! Welcome to @dragonsrugby ⤵️@Jamiehuwroberts 🙌#BringYourFire🔥 #Rise pic.twitter.com/uFN0oOsmkz

— Dragons (@dragonsrugby) August 3, 2020

Dean Ryan, Director of Dragons Rugby, said: “It’s great news that we are bringing someone of Jamie’s quality to the region and we know he will make an immediate impact for us.

Roberts added: “When I left Wales in 2013 to play my rugby outside my home country, I always promised myself that I’d endeavour to return and play in Wales again.

“Having had some wonderful experiences playing across three of the world’s top leagues in France, England and South Africa, I’m delighted to return to Wales to play with the Dragons and compete once again in the Guinness PRO14 and next season’s Champions Cup.