Jamie Roberts reveals failed move 'broke' him as life-changing money slipped away
Wales legend Jamie Roberts has revealed that a failed big-money move to Japan "broke him" at the time.
The iconic inside centre won 94 caps for Wales between 2008 and 2017, but he has now revealed that in his pursuit of reaching a century of caps, he had to turn down a lucrative deal with Kobelco Kobe Steelers.
Roberts was a guest on the latest episode of BBC Scrum V's 'The Warm Up' ahead of the weekend's Welsh rugby action. He appeared in a line-up with Tom Shanklin and Ellis Jenkins.
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As part of the show, host Lauren Jenkins read out a viewer's question to Roberts, which asked: "Is there anything you'd change about your rugby career?
"So I guess, have you got any regrets when you reflect?" asked Jenkins.
"You can't regret in hindsight, because at the time they were the right decisions," explained Roberts. "When I reflect on my career, probably one - I didn't go and play in Japan.
"I had a chance to go and play in Japan towards the tailend of my Test career and I got offered a two-year deal there to play at Kobe (Steelers).
"I didn't take it because I was in the 90s of caps, and I thought - 'do you know what? I kind of want to go for 100.' Six months later I wasn't picked for Wales again!
"It broke me at the time. A chance to go out there. Obviously a cultural experience, big, big money as well. Life-changing money really. And I didn't take it for that reason, but again, at that time it was the right decision.
"I can't really regret it, because I went for it and didn't get the 100 caps. But when you look at it through looking back, it's tough!"
You can watch the video below.
Roberts retired from rugby at the age of 35 in July 2022, and played out his final games for New South Wales Waratahs in Australia. He has gone on to become a popular pundit on television, and his scope for a post-rugby career is pretty wide given that he is a qualified doctor.
