BBC CYMRU WALES SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR 2009
Winner announcement: BBC Wales Today Date: Monday, 7 December, BBC ONE Wales, 1830-1900 GMT
Full award programme: Tuesday, 8 December, BBC ONE Wales, 2235-2335 GMT

The Cardiff Blues player had a memorable 2009, which began with his recovery from a fractured skull suffered in the previous November against Australia.

Despite a 26-21 defeat in the opening Lions Test, Roberts was outstanding and remained a potent threat.

By that stage he had moved from full back via wing to centre under the guidance of Wales coach Warren Gatland and his assistant Shaun Edwards.

But the late withdrawal of Gavin Henson from the line-up to face Scotland in the opening game of the 2009 Six Nations proved Roberts' launch-pad to becoming a star of the British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa,

Roberts had initially been picked to play at outside centre, but took over in the number 12 jersey and starred in Wales' 26-13 victory.

The medical student continued at centre against England, who lined up flanker Joe Worsley against him in defence.

Roberts made his mark and Wales won 23-15.

Roberts played a pivotal role in the Blues' Heineken Cup run that included becoming only the fifth team in the tournament's history to go unbeaten at the Pool stage.

The Welsh region were knocked out in the semi-final in an historic penalty shoot-out against Leicester during which Roberts created one try and scored another in a match drawn 26-26, Leicester winning 7-6 in the shoot-out.

Roberts' displays earned him a Lions call-up where he was up against England's Riki Flutey for the number 12 jersey.

The Welshman fought off Flutey's challenge and his midfield partnership with Brian O'Driscoll proved inspirational to the tourists.

Despite a 26-21 defeat in the opening Test, Roberts was outstanding and remained a potent threat until suffering a wrist injury in the second Test that also ruled him out of the final Test.

Having been the youngest player, at 22, to start a Test for the 2009 tourists, Roberts' performances were enough for him to be named Player of the Tour.

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