We caught up with Wales & Scarlets Scrum Half Martin Roberts
How do you feel Scarlets are doing this year?
The season as a whole has been a massive positive for the Scarlets. We got off to a flying start and picked up some early momentum with some fantastic wins, Perpignan home in the Heineken Cup being the highlight. The league has gone well to but we have missed out on some crucial wins that may cost us a top 4 place come the end of the season.
Who is your rugby hero and why?
It would probably have to be Jonah Lomu, he was so exciting to watch growing up and every time he had the ball there was an expectation for him to do something special and more often than not he did.
What has been your career highlight?
Winning my first cap for Wales was special but playing against the New Zealand in a packed out Millennium Stadium has to be my highlight so far.
What tips would you give to young rugby players?
Work hard and enjoy it ¦ every goal is achievable. Also work hard in school, rugby is a short career and u need something to fall back on.
Who is the strongest player you have played against/with?
Probably Alesana Tuilagi, the guy is massive.
Who is the toughest player you have played with ?
Iestyn Thomas at the Scarlets is a genuine tough guy. Probably one of a few of the old school players left playing, but he never takes a backward step
Who is the toughest player you have played against?
Marty Holah must be a pretty tough guy. The positions he gets himself in at the rucks is quite scary at times and his nuisance value is second to none.
How was it playing for Wales, a great honour?
Its' every child's dream to play for their country and i was no different. From the moment i picked the ball up that was my ambition.
How did you start playing rugby?
I was always playing with a rugby ball from an early age and always kept plaguing my dad when was old enough to play for a team, so when I was 7 i joined Treorchy under 8's.
What do you hope to do after rugby?
This i find to be a scary question, and as yet i have not found the answer.
If you hadn't been a rugby player what would you have been doing now?
I always wanted to be a policeman growing up.
Who has been the best player ability wise you have played with?
Defiantely has to be Regan King. The guy is a world class player and someone who makes rugby look easy. He always has time on the ball and 9/10 always picks the right option and creates space for others.
Are you looking forward to playing for Northampton?
Yea I can't wait, Northampton are a quality side and they are up there with the best in Europe. They have some quality individuals and have a fearsome set of forwards which is a scrum half's dream.
What are your perceptions of the Aviva Premiership?
That it's one of the best leagues around. It's a hugely contested league and every week is a massive challenge. I have watched a lot of games on TV over the years and the games are very exciting, it's a very well followed league and the crowds the teams get are brilliant.
What made you decide to join Northampton?
It was an easy decision really. The facilities are first class and everything is based at the ground. Their up there with the best teams in Europe and the prospect of playing behind a brilliant forward unit is exciting.
Do you know any of the Northampton squad?
Not as yet no, but hopefully won't take me long to fit in.
Other Questions
Favourite holiday destination? Las Vegas and Mexico
Favourite food? Chinese
Favourite movies? Snatch, Any Given Sunday, Good Will Hunting and Gladiator
Favourite band/artist? Stereophonics, Oasis and Kings of Leon
Hero (who isn't in rugby)? The Rock
Favourite sport/team (which isn't in rugby)? Manchester United
What do you do in your spare time when not playing rugby? Eat at Nando's a lot, play golf and play ps3
What do you think of talkingrugbyunion.co.uk? Brilliant website.
Finally “ if you had a message to say to your fans who have been supporting the scarlets week in week out, what would you say to all of them?
Thanks for a the great support over my last three seasons.
