Dr Roberts picking up The Cherries
AT its close, the Rugby World Cup chewed up and spat out members of the Springbok team to all parts of the globe. Team doctor Craig Roberts landed on the picturesque bench of English Premier League side AFC Bournemouth. And he’s loving every moment. You would have thought he would be sucked into next year’s expanded Super 18 rugby competition but, no, instead he has switched codes and countries, at least for the time being.
“After the World Cup disappointment, the South African Rugby Union was unable to commit to a contract going forward and Bournemouth were one of the teams that approached me,” Roberts said.
“I really like their approach and culture. They have a young progressive manager who really embraces sports science.
“A number of Premier League teams approached me over the years but my focus up to now was on trying to bring the Webb Ellis Cup home to South Africa again.
“I have been very fortunate and privileged to work with the Springboks for nine years, after studying medicine to become a rugby doctor and was very lucky to fulfil my dream very early.”
Not so long ago, Roberts’s biggest worry was whether Boks’ Duane Vermeulen, Fourie du Preez, Willem Alberts and Jean de Villiers would be fit to play in the World Cup that ended in October. But that’s all in the past.
His proper initiation into one of the most thrilling leagues in world football came during Bournemouth’s 3-3 draw with Everton — his second game in the dugout.
You probably didn’t notice him: crouched behind manager Eddie Howe, eyes wide open, partly focused on the pandemonium at the Goldsands Stadium and partly wondering what he’d got himself into.
Roberts is not the only “Saffer” on the Bournemouth bench, but is joined by Bafana Bafana front man Tokelo Rantie and Johannesburg-born Andrew Surman.
“It was great to see Rantie get some game time on the pitch against West Brom and show some of the touches we are used to in SA,” Roberts said.
Watching The Cherries hold Swansea City away, that draw with Everton and beating Chelsea, Manchester United and West Bromwich Albion on the bounce has proven the perfect release for the good doctor after a disappointing World Cup.