Roberts hopes Gatland’s departure will offer new chance to revive Wales career
Jamie Roberts believes Warren Gatland’s exit as Wales head coach will give him the chance to resurrect his international career.
It is two frustrating years since Roberts, who played in Bath’s 17-16 home Champions Cup defeat by Ulster on Saturday, was picked by Gatland. But now that the most successful Wales head coach is stepping down, the experienced centre senses the prospect of wearing the jersey again.
Roberts, 33, admits his hopes have been lifted by the sight of similarly mature players shining at the World Cup. The British and Lions forward would jump at the opportunity to enable Gatland’s successor as head coach, Wayne Pivac, to start his reign with Six Nations success, plus help bed in an influx of new and younger talent to the squad.
Roberts admitted: “I don’t think I could be still involved in the next World Cup. That’s four years away. But I have never accepted my time in a Welsh jersey is over. If anything, being left out has motivated me even more to play again. I am convinced I can still play at international level. And seeing guys my age put in world-class performances in Japan made me even more certain about that.
“As long as that door is still open I will do everything in my power to charge through.
“It was clear about 18 months ago that Warren Gatland wasn’t going to pick me. But perhaps the new management taking over offers an opportunity for me to show what I can do.”
Roberts, capped 94 times, would not be available to play against the Barbarians on Saturday week as he plays outside Wales. He will be hoping for better fortunes with Bath if he is to force his way back into the international frame, having been left bitterly disappointed by the defeat against Ulster. Losing their first home game in Pool Three piles on the pressure for the West Country outfit. They travel to familiar opposition for their second game at Harlequins on Saturday, and Roberts insisted: “It was a bit devastating at the end but we only have ourselves to blame for gifting them tries and losing by a point. But we can win our away games and can still progress.” Ulster are already in a strong position thanks mainly to a 12-point haul from scrum-half John Cooney.