News

Roberts lands tour award

July 06 2009

Jamie Roberts has been named as the 'Player of the Series' following the three Tests between the British & Irish Lions and South Africa.

The 22-year-old played in the opening two Tests before missing the third due to a wrist injury picked up in Pretoria. His midfield partnership with Brian O'Driscoll developed into a potent attacking weapon for the Lions.

"I'm delighted to be named as the HSBC Player of the Series," said Roberts, who beat of competition from Simon Shaw (second) and Tommy Bowe (third).

"This Tour has been a brilliant experience and I would like to dedicate this award to the hard work and effort put in by a lot of people in the Lions' squad and management."

Before the third Test, Lions Assistant Coach Warren Gatland, who is Roberts' national coach in Wales, gave a glowing assessment of the Cardiff Blue.

"Jamie has been one of the most improved players on the tour and it has been great for him to play inside Brian," said Gatland.

"Before Brian left for home I thanked him for developing Jamie so much. He just laughed and said 'I hope he hasn't learned too much'. They formed a very strong partnership for us and they complimented each other so well."