Noah’s Ark celebrity ambassador and Wales and British and Irish Lions centre has kicked off a year of events to celebrate his rugby career and raise money for the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital Charity.
Beginning in November and continuing for a year, the former Wales and British Lions centre will hold a series of events to celebrate his career and give thanks to those who have supported him throughout his time on the pitch and beyond. The JR12 Testimonial Year will also raise money for the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital Charity, a charity for which Jamie has been an ambassador for five years.
To mark the official launch, Roberts will be holding an event on November 4th at the Principality Stadium where he will be joined by former British Lions and Wales coach Warren Gatland, and former Wales and British Lions captain Sam Warburton OBE. The inaugural event will be hosted by Gabby Logan and will be an evening to celebrate Jamie’s 17-year professional rugby career which has seen him amass over 250 appearances for clubs across the rugby world as well as 97 test caps for Wales and The British and Irish Lions.
Of the Noah’s Ark Charity, Jamie said: “I’ve been an ambassador for the charity for some years and I’ve witnessed first-hand their dedication and how their work impacts families across Wales. Being both a medicine graduate and a father of two young children has certainly given insight as to how important their work is in supporting the youngest members of society and their families through what can be very challenging times. I feel honoured to be an ambassador for such an important charity in our community, and I’m hoping that events and celebrations held during the course of this year allow us to raise valuable funds.”
Director of the Noah’s Ark Charity, Suzanne Mainwaring, said: “We are delighted that such a Welsh great as Jamie has chosen the children of Wales to benefit from his testimonial year.
“As a charity, Noah’s Ark supports the specialist and often life saving care of 73,000 children a year which is enough to fill almost every seat in the Principality Stadium. The money raised during Jamie’s testimonial will make a real and lasting difference- helping to fund new and innovative medical equipment and facilities and by support children and families through our emotional support service and the much-loved play specialist team. It will also help us to make the hospital a less frightening and more familiar place for children by sprinkling a little fun and happiness into hospital days.
“Jamie has been a huge advocate of the charity since he became an ambassador in 2016 and we are very much looking forward to supporting him during the exciting year ahead. Diolch Jamie.”
Jamie Roberts began his rugby career in 2005 and has accumulated over 250 professional club appearances for clubs in five countries across three continents; Cardiff Blues, Racing Metro, Harlequins, Bath, Stormers and The Dragons. Jamie played his final season for The Waratahs Super Rugby side in Sydney, before deciding to hang up his boots in July this summer.
Jamie earned a total of 94 test caps for Wales between 2008 and 2017, that included two Grand Slams and three Six Nations titles under coach Warren Gatland. He also won three caps for the British and Lions during their tours in 2009 and 2013, as well as being named ‘Player of The Series’ on their tour to South Africa in 2009. Jamie also appeared in 45 consecutive Six Nations matches for Wales, a National record held alongside Sir Gareth Edwards. Jamie was deemed by many as Wales’ most influential player in Warren Gatland’s game plan during his tenure.
Rugby formed only one part of Jamie’s life. Whilst playing on the international stage he completed a medical degree at Cardiff University, a BSc at UWIC and later went on to study both an MPhil at Cambridge University and an MBA at Loughborough University.
After announcing his retirement in July 2022, Jamie is launching the JR12 Testimonial Year that will begin in November 2022.
