I’M DESPERATE TO ROAR AGAIN!
Jamie Roberts on his bid to become a three-time Lion
Jamie RobeRts is not afraid to admit that Lions selection runs through his mind on every morning commute from Wandsworth to Guildford. Will he? Won’t he? How will being dropped by Wales affect his dreams of returning to New Zealand?
ask most players about their chances of a call-up by Warren Gatland and they respond with a stock answer to manage expectations: ‘i’m just thinking about the next game.’
Roberts, however, is more forthcoming about his ambitions of a third tour.
‘You’re scared to talk about the Lions butut it’s a massive motivationvation for me,’ Robertserts told Sportsmail.ail. ‘ i don’t mindd saying that. i think about it every morning when i wake up. i still think about boarding that plane for the firstt time as a 22-year-old.
‘it’s played a huge part in my life. i remember those titimes andd i want to get them back.
‘You’re desperate to be a part of that tour but you have to do a, b and C to get to D. You have to show form, which is why not getting the chance on the test stage is frustrating, especially when i feel i’ve got so much to offer.’
the morning commute is fraught with traffic. Roberts shares lifts with Harlequins team- mate Chris Robshaw who, like the Welshman, was also robbed of the test stage during the six Nations because of injury.
a victim of the steady Welsh game plan that became stagnant, Roberts was dropped after 76 consecutive starts — but is ready to make the final push for selection having returned to Cambridge University last week to focus on medical studies. ‘it’s been one of the most emotionally challenging periods of my career,’ said Roberts. ‘it’s tested my personality and my character but i’ve enjoyed that test. i overthink everything but you can’t take selectiontion personally.person it’s just the naturena of test rugbyrugby. ‘i still have ththat buzz. i still fefeel the excitement of pulling on a jersey. i want to be competing for a test jjersey for a lolot longer. i’ll kekeep fighting as long as my bodbody and spirit are right.rig the last six montmonths have just made me moremo desperate and hungry.’ Four years ago, Roberts was the headline name. the trainee doctor who played the guitar on stage with the manic street Preachers. more recently he has become the forgotten name — burdened by broad-brush, one- dimensional ‘ Warrenball’ associations. ‘a million thoughts go through your head,’ he said. ‘it’s really easy to start questioning your ability but the best thing is to go back to basics, making sure your body and mind are firing. it’s easy to get caught up in a negative way of thinking but i’ve tried to go at it the other way and face it front on. You enjoy small victories in training.’
the sweetest moment of Roberts’s six Nations was coming off the bench to score the victory-sealing try against ireland. He turned to face the crowd and clenched his fist with a salute of intent.
‘Look at someone like tom brady (NFL player),’ he said. ‘an absolute winner. People tried to write him off for years and next thing he’s mVP in the super bowl . . . again. every player has it at some point.
‘i want to peak again. i’m aiming for bigger and better things. i’m hungry and i’m desperate. that’s when i play my best rugby. i’m a pretty strong character and i have to show that now more than ever.’
it is now or never for 30year-old Roberts. He is contracted to Harlequins until summer 2018, when his career will reach a crossroads. Does he stay put at Harlequins and keep pushing for World Cup selection? Return to Cardiff where his career began? or make a savvy switch to Japan?
any decision will be put on hold until next season. Now the focus is on today’s headline clash with saracens at Wembley, where Roberts will have an opportunity to impress Gatland against No 12 frontrunner owen Farrell.
‘i played an hour of competitive rugby in seven weeks so my body feels pretty good,’ said Roberts. ‘Now it comes down to impressing with Harlequins. We set the target of qualifying for the Champions Cup but we know we can challenge.
‘When Gats first came in as Wales coach and said, “Look, guys, test rugby is all a game of opinion”. Whether that’s picking the team or what the press say, there’s only so much you can do to sway that. it’s down to me to sway those opinions.’