WITH his studies on the backburner Jamie Roberts is jumping headfirst into the battle for a starting spot when Wales kick-off their Six Nations campaign against England.

The 21-year-old Cardiff University medicine student has been given special dispensation to shift exams scheduled for April back to July and now he aims to stand up to the Twickenham test.

The Cardiff Blues back, who was called up by Gareth Jenkins when injuries struck last campaign despite not having made his name at regional level, faces stiff competition for a place in the squad but is relishing the battle.

"It's one thing to get in the squad but now I have got to try my best in training and get in the 22," he said. "Everyone is champing at the bit and I've got great competition.

"Everyone is putting their hand up for the 15 shirt. Morgan Stoddart had a good game against South Africa and I'm lucky to be in the squad in that respect while Kevin Morgan's record speaks for itself.

"He has admitted himself that he is off form a touch but I'm sure he will come back and show he is a great player. Then there is Lee Byrne who is a fantastic talent.

"It's good competition and it can only be a good thing for Wales. I'm just hoping to follow in these guy's footsteps and get that jersey on my back."

While Roberts would like to be wearing number 15, he has been shifted to the wing at the Arms Park because of the presence of Kiwi Ben Blair and he admitted he is willing to wear any red shirt in coming weeks.

"I don't mind the changing of positions," he said. "The back three are pretty similar but it is slightly different playing full-back and I feel my personal attributes suit me better there.

"It's the position I started out as and have always played, so it's one I'd hope to play most of my rugby there in the future.

"But at the Blues we have Ben Blair who is outstanding and I'm just happy to be on the pitch alongside guys like that. What a player to try and knock out of the team, that's the way I see it."