Jamie Roberts: I stand by my Wales comments - no-one has contacted me about them

Wales legend Jamie Roberts insists nobody has contacted him to complain about his comments on S4C in the wake of last Sunday's defeat to Fiji, despite Warren Gatland saying otherwise.

Following Wales' first-ever home defeat to Fiji which was also their 10th loss in a row, Roberts was of the opinion they hadn't moved forward at all as a side since the Rugby World Cup. In a Wales press conference yesterday Gatland claimed Roberts - who is also an independent non-executive director on the Welsh Rugby Union board - had been contacted by certain people who were unhappy with this comments.

But Roberts has rejected these claims. "Absolutely nothing," Roberts told WalesOnline when asked whether he had received any messages of disapproval.

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"It's probably been blown out of proportion a bit. Warren has always welcomed challenge, he's welcomed honest discourse and he's always open to people having an opinion.

"He's certainly got one himself inside the changing room and outside the changing room. It's healthy for our sport that challenge.

"From my end it's never personal and likewise his but there were comments made yesterday that I'd received a load of messages around my comments when I'd actually received zero.

"That shocked me a little bit but you'd have to ask him about that."

The 94-times capped Roberts was a key member of Gatland's Wales squads in the early years of the Kiwi's first stint in charge, helping his country with three Six Nations titles.

He was also a mainstay of the 2009 and 2013 British & Irish Lions squads and was speaking as an ambassador for Howden, a principal partner for next summer's tour of Australia. Despite being critical of Gatland while working as a pundit on S4C, Roberts insists it was not personal.

"It was never personal," he told WalesOnline. "As a pundit I made some honest comments on the weekend, whether that was about the losing run or where we are as a side, or the progression of the team since the summer.

"As a pundit I'm honest, I'm straight and it's not about being personal. It's about speaking my mind. I have a massive amount of respect for Warren and his coaching team. I know them all personally.

"Any comments I make on TV aren't intended to offend but in saying that you can't hide from the facts. What will be will be at the end of the day."

Gatland has come in for some fierce criticism from some of his former players including Mike Phillips and Dan Biggar. The 61-year-old helped navigate Wales through a tough World Cup pool after returning for a second stint following Wayne Pivac's departure.

But as things stand Wales have lost their last 10 Test matches under Gatland and if they fall to defeat against Australia on Sunday it will be their worst-ever run of defeats. This has led to questions surrounding his future as Wales boss.

But does Roberts think Wales need to go in a different direction? "It's not my place to answer that, mate," he said.

"That'll be decisions made by people far higher up than me. That's not my decision to make and it's not something we should talk about until the end of the campaign at least.

"They've got a job to do at the minute and I know Warren has been very good traditionally about building that siege mentality with players and I've no doubt he'll do the same this week up in the Vale.

"They are all experienced coaches. There are a lot of youngsters there but some good experience in that side as well.

"You've got to embrace the harsh reality at the minute. It's challenging, it's hurting for players but they have a wonderful opportunity at the weekend to turn a corner and I hope they embrace that.

"They'll no doubt give it everything. Whoever plays for Wales goes and empties the tank and like any fan I hope it's enough on the weekend."

Wales take on a resurgent Wallabies outfit fresh off the back of a stunning victory over England at Twickenham. With former Ireland coach Joe Schmidt Australia will be a far tougher opposition than what they faced in the summer.

That being said Roberts does think Wales can beat the Wallabies but will have to contain former rugby league star Joseph Suaalii, who was phenomenal in the victory over England. "This guy is an unbelievable talent," Roberts added.

"There's so many players who come across from rugby league, especially the NRL, which is an amazing tournament but he's also inexperienced in union. I think it's important Wales challenge that 13 channel this weekend and force him to make decisions defensively.

"England didn't do that on the weekend. He didn't have an easy ride but England gave him time to work his magic.

"I bet that Welsh defence will want to shut him down as quickly as possible and ask questions of him in attack because he's not long been in the union game. I've no doubt about his talent.

"He's a wonderful wonderful player who has come into that Aussie side at a time where they probably need it the most. Australian rugby has gone through a difficult time and they will have been relieved to have beaten England.

"I can't wait to see our midfield, Max (Llewellyn) in particular, have a go at Joseph Suallii and challenge him. With the quality in that Welsh side I think we've got a great opportunity this weekend. We've got to go out and play with a smile on their faces.

"The burden of a losing record, just forget about it and just go out and entertain the crowd."

Howden, a Principal Partner for The British & Irish Lions, celebrates 2025 jersey launch with rugby legend, Jamie Roberts, in Cardiff.