British and Irish Lions

The 22-year-old was one of the stars of the 10-match tour of South Africa after he formed a formidable midfield pairing with 2005 Lions skipper Brian O'Driscoll.

Roberts played five times for Ian McGeechan's men and started both the first and second Tests in Durban and Pretoria.

But despite being named HSBC Player of the Series, Roberts' tour ended in disappointment as he was forced to miss the final international due to a wrist injury he sustained in the defeat at Loftus Versfeld.

As well as being a blow for the Lions, Roberts' injury has also had an impact on his regional side, the Cardiff Blues. The medical student missed the opening two fixtures of the Magners League, one of which was a disappointing defeat at home to Edinburgh.

But there could be good news just around the corner as Blues head coach Dai Young expects his star centre to be back in action this week or next.

"He'll probably be back this week [against Connacht], if not definitely the week after [against the Scarlets]," said Young, who was himself a Lion in 1989, 1997 and 2001.

"He's had his scans, he's fine and raring to go.

"He's had his five weeks off and his six weeks pre-season; those are the guidelines we've been told to work to.

"Jamie's already back into more-or-less full training, he's knocking on the door and really eager to get the shirt on and play."

The Waratahs upset the odds by beating Super Rugby leaders the Brumbies 28-22, but the game came at a huge cost to Qantas Wallabies coach Robbie Deans.

Lions skipper Sam Warburton says the lessons he and his Welsh colleagues learnt in Australia last summer will stand them in good stead for their return visit with Britain and Ireland's elite next month.

Tom Youngs has enjoyed a remarkable rise to the top of the British & Irish game but he won't be resting on his laurels ahead of his first Lions adventure.