2 minute read
in jamie we trust
from Spoonews Summer 2023
by Wooden Spoon
As The Lions Trust teams up with Wooden Spoon once again to support children and young people facing disadvantage, Welsh and Lions legend Jamie Roberts tells us what becoming a trustee means to him.
With 94 caps for Wales, two grand slams and three Six Nations titles, Jamie Roberts is a hero among rugby fans. Add to that, nine appearances for The British & Irish Lions, including three Test caps, he will be a hard act to follow.
Jamie reflects on his many career highlights: “That try in the third Test in Sydney in 2013 was pretty special. It’s hard to look past that, yet there’s also something very special about your first cap for your country. Playing for Wales was what I aspired to, and I’m very grateful I got that opportunity.
“My Lions experiences have been bittersweet! My first Tour in 2009 was pretty memorable; I was a young man thrust into a Test side that lost the Series in the 80th minute in that second Test at Loftus.
“That disappointment was somewhat eased by winning the ‘Player of the Series’ award, yet four years later, a handful of us got to experience the elation of the third Test in Sydney. That changing room post-match was certainly one of my favourite rugby memories.”
Life has been busy for Jamie, since retiring from the game professionally. Jamie said: “I’m delighted to have come onboard as a trustee of The Lions Trust.
“The Trust’s ambition is to support all Lions players in times of need. Not only does it support players, but the Trust harnesses the spirit and values of the Lions throughout rugby clubs and communities, across the UK and Ireland.
“This partnership allows Wooden Spoon to both broaden its reach and leverage through its association with a worldrenowned iconic rugby brand.
“We hope this translates to more fundraising for Wooden Spoon’s projects but, most importantly, the relationship facilitates the alignment of rugby’s core values to grow awareness of both the Lions and the charity.”
In 2019, Wooden Spoon funded play and sensory rooms at Noah’s Ark children’s hospital in Cardiff, where Jamie is an ambassador. He saw first-hand the difference it has made: “It’s huge. We cannot underestimate the value of such projects to the community. The project gave patients, and their families, areas to enjoy away from the stress and demands of the wards. This is one of many projects Wooden Spoon has funded; its work has transformed many communities, and it’s wonderful that the Lions can support the charity to continue doing so.”
Jamie’s energy remains in full flow, even away from the pitch. In addition to planning his wedding later this year, raising two young children and working with the media for the Six Nations tournament, he has more fundraising planned: “I’m also doing the JR12 Testimonial Year raising money for The Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital Charity so that’s been keeping me busy too!”
