Wales and Lions centre Jamie Roberts signs for Dragons

Newport-born Jamie Roberts is returning to Welsh rugby after leaving to play for France in 2013. Credit: PA Images

Wales and British and Irish Lions centre Jamie Roberts has signed for Dragons, ending his seven years away from Welsh rugby.

The Newport-born rugby star said he had always vowed to play for Wales again after leaving to play for France in 2013.

The 33-year-old was capped 94 times by Wales and made three Lions Test appearances.

"I always promised myself that when I left Wales in 2013, I’d endeavour to return to play in God's Country," he said.

"I'm delighted and grateful to be given that opportunity this season with Dragons."

Jamie Roberts was capped 94 times by Wales and started representing the country in 2008. Credit: PA Images

Roberts added that he was excited to be contributing towards the club's growth on and off the pitch.

He said: "I’ve been very fortunate to have achieved the majority of what I set out to achieve in the game.

"I hope I can now harness my experiences from across some of the world's top leagues and help the younger players at Dragons Rugby strive to achieve theirs. There's huge potential in the group."

The move will see Roberts alongside current Wales internationals and recent Dragons recruits Jonah Holmes and Nick Tompkins.

Though Roberts grew up in Cardiff, he said his love for rugby was born when his father took him and his brother to Rodney Parade as a youngster.

Roberts left Cardiff Blues in 2013 to join Racing 92 in France. He later played for Harlequins and Bath in England.

Roberts signed for the Stormers in January this year. Credit: PA Images

In January he joined South African team the Stormers, playing the 2020 Super Rugby season with them.

The Stormers recruited Roberts to add experience to their rookie backline and also act as a mentor, performing a "major role in nurturing the talent around him in Cape Town."

Roberts, also a qualified doctor, has been temporarily working as a clinical innovation fellow in the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic.

He hosted the official opening of Ysbyty Calon Y Ddraig, the Dragon's Heart Hospital, Wales' largest temporary field hospital based at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

Roberts also took part in a demonstration video to show how to use a coronavirus home-testing kit.