Friday 11 July 2014 11:41, UK
Welsh international scrum-half Martin Roberts has re-joined Ospreys from Bath on a two-year deal.
The 28-year old left Ospreys in 2008 has has since plied his trade with Scarlets, Northampton Saints and for the last year with Bath.
He was one of the first players to come through the regional development pathway at Ospreys when he made his debut off the bench as a 19-year old and returning to the Liberty Stadium at this stage of his career is an exciting prospect.
I was still very young when I left the Ospreys and coming back I think I'm a much improved player.
Roberts, who becomes the club’s eighth summer signing, said: “It's a really exciting time for me. It's a new beginning and I'm looking forward to it. I've been in England for the last three years, playing for good teams, and it's been a great experience that has definitely benefited me personally and professionally.
“I was still very young when I left the Ospreys and coming back I think I'm a much improved player. Moving away to Northampton, leaving the comfort zone of being around your friends and family and standing on your own two feet makes you grow up. I feel I'm a far more mature person now and hopefully I can show that in and around the environment.”
He is looking forward to playing under head coach Steve Tandy.
"I know Tandy very well having played and trained with him, and I'm looking forward to working with him. He's someone I respect and I know he's a good coach with strong views and a vision for where he wants to take the team.
"It's a challenge I'm looking forward to. I can't wait to meet up with the group on Friday and start working with them ready for the new season.”
With the signing of Roberts, Tito Tebaldi has been given permission to speak to other clubs in order to give himself the best chance of establishing himself as first choice with Italy.
