Jamie Roberts heads down under

Jamie Roberts will leave Dragons this month to move to Australian side Waratahs for “personal reasons”.

Roberts has been granted an early release from his Dragons contract with the blessing of director of rugby Dean Ryan.

On Sunday, The Rugby Paper broke the news that Jamie Roberts was wanted by Australian side Waratahs.

The 35-year-old Lions stalwart will move to Australia to join his Sydney-born partner who is expecting their second child.

Roberts said: “It is with a heavy heart I’m leaving the Dragons.”

“I’d like to personally thank Dean for understanding my personal circumstances.

“As my Sydney-born partner is expecting our second child in March, we feel the best decision for our family is to be surrounded by her support network in Sydney during this period.”

The Dragons have several options in midfield including former Wales under 20s players Aneurin Owen, and Jack Dixon while they are expected to sign Welsh qualified centre Max Clarke from Bath.

The Waratahs kick-off their Super Rugby season against the newly-formed Fijian Drua on February 18 and are hoping to finish their recruitment by that time.

They were once Australia’s leading side having won the Super Rugby title in 2014 but have struggled badly on and off the field over the past few years.

Roberts is a player who is well respected in the southern hemisphere and fits what the Waratahs are looking for.