Share

Welsh centre stays at Stormers - for now

Welsh centre Jamie Roberts has opted to stay with the Stormers despite having to renew his visa.

Register your interest for the British & Irish Lions tickets in South Africa 2021

There were reports suggesting Roberts would return to the UK to renew his visa which would've meant he would've been unable to travel back to South Africa due to the coronavirus pandemic restrictions of travel in place.

However, Stormers coach John Dobson said on Tuesday that the 33-year-old has decided to stay in Cape Town for the time being.

"No, he is not (going back). It was on the cards because he had to get his visa renewed. Obviously, if he flew tonight, he would not be able to return. So he has decided to stay," Dobson told reporters at the Stormers' High Performance Centre (HPC) in Bellville on Tuesday.

Dobson said Roberts has until the end of April to renew his visa, but would do so at a later stage.

"He was going to use the fact that we weren't playing this weekend. He would have had to fly tonight because of our own international travel ban. So he won't be flying for a while now.

"If Super Rugby resumes before June, I am sure he will play for us. I know that he had to go and get his visa by the end of April. If he can't go by then, then he is entitled to return home. In which case, he would not return to us because he would not be allowed."

Roberts, who played 94 Tests for Wales and three for the British and Irish Lions, was drafted in by the Stormers this season as a replacement for Damian de Allende.

The Stormers also confirmed that there will be no team training amid the suspension of Super Rugby due to the coronavirus. However, players are allowed to gym at the HPC and practice their skills on the field.

READ | Stormers doctor reveals rare injury that almost ended Pieter-Steph's career

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
loading... Live
Pakistan 0
New Zealand 24/0
Voting Booth
Should the Proteas pick Faf du Plessis for the T20 World Cup in West Indies and the United States in June?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Faf still has a lot to give ...
64% - 379 votes
No! It's time to move on ...
36% - 209 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE