Roberts eyes swift Wales return

Jamie Roberts is determined to reclaim his Wales place in time for the RBS Six Nations after a skull fracture.

The 22-year-old suffered the injury on 29 November in the win over Australia after colliding with Stirling Mortlock.

But the centre, wing or full-back is on the bench for Cardiff Blues' Magners League game at Leinster on Saturday.

"I'm just dying to get in there... get in the starting 15 for the Blues and hopefully prove myself in time for the Six Nations as well," Roberts said.

Roberts earned rave reviews for his performances during Wales' autumn campaign, after being asked to switch to centre from his preferred full-back and wing berths.

But he admitted his six weeks on the sidelines had allowed other players such as Gavin Henson and Blues team-mates Tom Shanklin and Jamie Robinson to perhaps move ahead of him in the midfield pecking order.

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"I've missed playing and it's really frustrating watching the boys play and watching other players doing well when you're not on the park," said Roberts, who has won seven Wales caps.

"Gav's come back and is playing well, Andrew Bishop is playing well, Shanklin is playing well here, Jamie is playing well, young Jon Davies at the Scarlets is doing well and it is desperately frustrating.

"Hopefully I showed what I was about in the autumn and you know hopefully the coaches will have faith in me then for the Six Nations.

"I'm just using these next few games to prove my worth and show I am still up there and earn that right to play for Wales."

Roberts is a medical student but has put off his final exams to become a doctor while he pursues his rugby career.

So he was more able than most to understand the injury he suffered in that collision with Wallabies captain Mortlock.

"Having spoken to the consultants straight after the game, they said six weeks which is usually the time given for a fracture to heal," Roberts added.

"This Saturday now is six weeks straight from the Australia game and I'm raring to go."

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