James “Jim” Roberts

Jim Roberts was an England rugby wing from 1960 - 1964. Born in Liverpool in 1932, Jim matriculated at Christ’s in 1952 and studied Engineering.

During his time at Christ’s, Jim played Rugby for the University team and won three Blues as centre (1952) and wing (1953 & 1954).

Upon leaving Cambridge, Jim played rugby for the Old Millhillians, Middlesex. He also played games for both Paris University Club and Llanelli, and had a number of England trials. In 1960, he began playing for Sale Rugby Club.

Anecdotally, in 1960, having played the final trial at Twickenham, Jim’s wife suggested that it was time to consider giving up on his dream of playing for England, as he was now 28. In order to change the conversation, Jim switched on the radio, only to hear that he had been selected for his debut International match against Wales at Twickenham; a game that England won 14-6 and in which he scored two tries.

Jim had a total of 18 England caps and appeared alongside players such as Dickie Jeeps, Malcolm Philips, Peter Jackson, and Budge Rogers. He won his final cap against Wilson Whineray’s touring All Blacks team at Twickenham in January 1964. Jim continued playing for Sale until his retirement in 1965.

He died on 1 November 2020.