Jamie Roberts Upholds Critical Remarks on Wales and Coach Warren Gatland

Jamie Roberts earned all 94 of his Wales caps during Warren Gatland’s initial tenure as the national team’s coach. Autumn Series: Wales v Australia Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff Date: Sunday, 17 November Kick-off: 16:10 GMT Coverage: Live on S4C, BBC Radio Wales, Radio Cymru, with live text and commentary available on the BBC Sport website and app. Jamie Roberts affirmed his critical statements concerning the Wales national team and head coach Warren Gatland, made after their loss to Fiji. Roberts, a former Wales centre, joined the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) board as an independent non-executive director in November 2023, concurrently maintaining his role as a respected pundit. Following the 24-19 defeat last weekend, he was one of several critics, asserting that it marked the “worst Wales had been in the professional era”. Roberts additionally commented that he “understood the spin Warren is trying to give,” but did not believe Wales “had moved forward.” Gatland maintained that he had no objection to Roberts sharing his views as a paid pundit, though he noted that “a couple of people” had reportedly contacted the former player, suggesting his comments were inappropriate. Roberts countered by stating that no one had contacted him to convey such an opinion. “I am a non-executive with the Welsh Rugby Union and I am an honest pundit,” Roberts told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast.”Those comments were made on the weekend about where Wales sit within the professional era. “That is objective facts and not an opinion. The bit around Wales and progress, that’s my opinion.”It’s never personal and I have a huge amount of respect for Warren and his coaching team, but I won’t apologise for making honest comments, that’s part and parcel for what we do as pundits.”I am sure it’s water under the bridge for Warren, he has heard far worse.” Jamie Roberts participated in three Tests across two British and Irish Lions tours. Between 2008 and 2017, Roberts earned 94 Wales caps under Gatland and was a member of two British and Irish Lions tours in 2009 and 2013. “I have nothing but respect for Warren,” said Roberts.”He has been a wonderful coach for Wales down the years. He is operating in a very difficult time at the moment.” Roberts noted that Gatland “is very good” at absorbing pressure. He further stated, “He has been in this game a long time, he plays the game very well with the media off the field.” “There is always pressure and he will be desperate more than anybody to right the wrongs of this calendar year.” Roberts acknowledged significant changes within Welsh rugby. “It has been very turbulent time in the game in Wales and a lot of change happening, a lot of younger players being exposed at this level due to a lot of the older generation retiring en masse,” said Roberts.”It’s challenging, but he is fronting it and Warren has come out and said honest discourse about the game in Wales is healthy.”There are a lot of other people talking about the game in Wales, whether it is me or other players or fans giving honest insight and that’s healthy.”Warren has an opinion of the game as well inside and outside of the changing room and it all adds to the spectacle for fans.” Last weekend, Wales suffered a 10th consecutive Test match defeat, equalling a record. This current losing streak mirrors a similar period of failures in 2002 and 2003, which occurred under Gatland’s compatriot, New Zealander Steve Hansen. Gatland’s team has not achieved an international victory since defeating World Cup pool stage opponents Georgia in October 2023, resulting in their drop to a record-low 11th position in World Rugby’s rankings. Australia is set to arrive in Cardiff following a notable 42-37 victory over England, having also secured nine wins in their last 11 visits to the Welsh capital. Roberts expressed his belief that Wales could achieve a victory, citing the “psychological” challenge for the Wallabies in replicating their recent win against England. “This Wales group have a great chance to turn around that losing streak,” said Roberts. “When you reach that emotional high they achieved at Twickenham to back that up a week later can be hard.”I have no doubt Warren will talk about that psychology with the players this week.” Last weekend, Wales held a 14-10 lead at half-time and scored three tries to Fiji’s two, prior to their record-equalling defeat. Roberts added: “The players know that losing run is there, but with the group we have got they have shown so many glimpses of the attack against Fiji.”If they can do that for 80 minutes against Australia they have a great opportunity because these games are traditionally one-score games.”Wales can win. People might think I am barking up the wrong tree, but I question whether the Wallabies can repeat that intensity.”If Warren can harness that energy, Wales have a great chance.” © 2024 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.