VIDEO: Roberts reveals reason behind CT move
WATCH as Welsh legend Jamie Roberts steps off the training pitch and fronts up to the media to explain the reasons behind his decision to move to Newlands.
Roberts arrived in Cape Town on Wednesday, and Thursday trained with his new teammates, the Stormers, for the first time.
After completing his first training session in near 30°C temperatures, the 33-year-old veteran sat down for his first media briefing at his new home.
The 94-times capped international cut his two-year contract with Bath short last week, to make the immediate move to South Africa.
“It feels like a real rugby ground,” Roberts said.
He said he has never experienced a welcome at a team like the one he received in Cape Town.
“It is a special place,” Roberts said, adding that you immediately feel part of the history of the hallowed stadium.
He said he was hugely privileged to be here and thanked Bath Director of Rugby Stuart Hooper for allowing the move.
“I want to win Super Rugby,” Roberts boldly stated, when asked by @rugby365com what his personal goals were.
“It is about doing what I do well and bring that to the Stormers. It is about playing a different brand of rugby.
“The ball in play time is higher in Super Rugby and I am looking forward to playing that type of game.
“All the rugby we play back home [in the United Kingdom] is in the rain.
“To challenge myself in a different environment and play a different brand of rugby is hugely exciting for me,” the three-times capped British and Irish Lions midfielder said.
* Article continues below …
Asked about giving up the Bath contract, he said for him it is about the rugby experience and the life experience.
“Having toured South Africa nearly 10 times in my career, every time I toured here it has been the best rugby experience.”
The move from Bath to the Stormers was not without its hiccups.
Dobson was visiting Saracens in November when Roberts heard the Stormers were interested in his services.
The two met up in London and although the initial talks stalled, once the Stormers found a third-party sponsor to put up the cash, Roberts signed on the proverbial dotted line.
“[After the initial meeting] I didn’t hear anything for four or five weeks and I got a text message [from Dobson] on New Year’s day.
“It all happened pretty quickly in January and here I am.”
What Roberts, now 33, will do after his spell in Super Rugby is unclear, but the qualified doctor said he would jump at the opportunity if Wales was to call him up.
He played the last of his 94 Tests against New Zealand in Cardiff in November 2017.
“If that call comes I would jump at the opportunity,” he said.
@king365ed
@rugby365com
Related articles
Ready to challenge @rugby365com?
Law discussion: is it a tackle?
Bok centre set to join Harlequins in massive deal
Bulls reveal 2020 Super Rugby squad
VIDEO: Whiteley’s very ‘frustrating’ injury
Rassie’s advice to Sarries Springbok
