Wednesday 15 October 2014 12:18, UK
Racing Metro centre Jamie Roberts has played down speculation claiming he is set to return to ply his trade Wales this week.
French media reports have suggested British and Irish Lion Roberts is poised for an immediate return to his native Wales, with the Welsh Rugby Union said to be prepared to buy him out of his present contract with the Top 14 club.
I was as baffled as anyone when I got up this morning to a text from my mate saying, ‘Are you coming home?’
Roberts, along with Racing team-mate Dan Lydiate, was highlighted as part of a cohort of Wales internationals eager to make a U-turn following the signing of the Participation Agreement, which gives national coach Warren Gatland the option of offering central contracts to his key players.
“I was as baffled as anyone when I got up this morning to a text from my mate saying, ‘Are you coming home?’,” Roberts admitted on Sky Sports News HQ.
“It’s the first I’ve heard of it and I will raise the issue with the coaches tomorrow.
“It’s interesting to say the least, but I have no idea with this kind of stuff, I just have to work hard in the gym, out on the training field and hopefully make the team for the weekend.”
Roberts and flanker Lydiate joined Racing last season, but reports claim there is an ongoing bid to get the Lions duo back in Wales before the start of the European Champions Cup.
Should either feature for Racing this weekend against Northampton Saints they would then be cup-tied and unable to represent a Welsh region, meaning a deal is likely to happen this week, if at all.
However Roberts, who is currently making his way back from a leg injury, claims his focus remains on fitness and regaining selection unless he is told otherwise.
“I got injured three weeks ago and to be fair the boys have been playing well since then and sometimes when that happens the coach just wants to stick with his players,” he reflected.
“The backs are certainly playing well and I have to work my way back into things just like anyone else.”
