Centre star Jamie Roberts is ready to explode on derby day against his former region – after revealing how a new relaxed approach has helped benefit his game.
The former Wales and British & Irish Lion has been a star performer for Dean Ryan’s men this season.
The 34-year-old is set to line-up against Cardiff Blues this Boxing Day – a region he made his professional debut for 13 years ago – and has spoken about his huge appetite for the game.
“I love it, the physical challenge is part of why I love the game,” said Roberts, who has also featured for Cardiff Blues, Racing 92, Harlequins, Bath and Stormers,
“It's been fun and I am enjoying my rugby now as much as I ever have, training and playing.
“The hardest thing at the moment is the challenge of not having crowds, so the way that I've taken to that is to relax far more during the week.
“I've made a conscious decision to chill during the week, not waste any emotional energy and save it all for 80 minutes, knowing full well that none of that energy can come from a crowd.
“It's all got to come from within and it's quite strange to bring it yourself. I've taken this approach to be very, very relaxed in the week and just explode come the weekend.”
Roberts will play in his first derby since 2013 and admits facing a former region adds extra spice.
He said: "I am really stoked to be playing on the weekend against my former team.
“Any player will tell you that you always raise your game a bit. "I was lucky to do it with Quins against Cardiff Blues a few years back at the Stoop and it was good fun.
"You just have that little bit of extra nervousness and that usually brings out a strong performance."
Read more with Jamie Roberts in this week’s edition of The Dragon digital match day magazine. Out this Christmas Eve on our official website.
I've made a conscious decision to chill during the week, not waste any emotional energy and save it all for 80 minutes, knowing full well that none of that energy can come from a crowd...
