WELSH PAIR LEAD CHASE FOR HOOKER
THE Dragons and Cardiff are said to be leading the race for the signature of newlycapped Wales hooker Bradley Roberts. That’s according to the Daily Mail, who lists the two Welsh regions as the favourites to sign the Ulster player.
The 25-year-old Ulster hooker’s stated ambition puts him firmly on the road to joining a Welsh region.
South Africa-born Roberts made his Wales debut against the Springboks during the Autumn Nations Series.
Eligible to pull on the red jersey though his paternal grandmother, who hailed from Llandysul in Ceredigion,
he had made just 10 appearances for Ulster when Wayne Pivac offered him the chance to link up with Wales.
With Roberts on a single-year contract at Ulster, Welsh Rugby Union selection rules mean he will have to be part of the regional scene from next season to continue to be eligible to play for Wales.
Wales head coach Pivac is understood to be very keen for that to happen and will be keeping his fingers firmly crossed that one of the four pro teams is able to find a spot for him.
Roberts said last week: “I’m still focused on doing well for Ulster this season. As everyone knows, if I want to carry on playing for Wales I have to play there moving forwards.
“I need to keep focused on Ulster, but things will start to happen pretty soon. I have to perform in every match because it’s another chance to carry on proving myself. I want to be a regular with Wales. My goals have changed completely. Now I’ve got a taste for it, I just want more. I need to keep putting in performances to put my name in the hat.”