Former Dragons ace Ian Gough has backed new arrival Jamie Roberts to show he has the ‘drive and hunger’ to be a huge success at Rodney Parade.
The news that Wales and British & Irish Lions centre star Roberts was returning to Wales to become a Dragon sparked huge excitement from fans when it was announced on Monday.
The 33-year-old, who was born in Newport, revealed in his first interview with Dragons TV that Gough was one of his heroes watching from the terraces with dad Norman.
And now the man who clocked up 102 appearances for Dragons over two spells – and would eventually line up with Roberts for Wales – has backed the new signing to be a huge coup for Dean Ryan’s men.
“Jamie is up there with Percy Montgomery and Gary Teichmann – he’s a great big-name signing,” said Gough, in an interview with the South Wales Argus.
“It’s great for the fans, giving them hope and showing ambition.
“He is a different animal to some and has performed to the highest degree at all the clubs he has been at, whether in France, England or South Africa. Jamie still has the drive and the hunger and has been putting in the displays.
“He is a legend – he is a Lion, had 90-odd Welsh caps and has been there and done it, playing in leagues all over the world,” added Gough, who played when Roberts made his Test debut as a wing against Scotland in the 2008 Six Nations.
“But he is also a nice bloke who comes across well and has time for people. He is a rounded individual and won’t be an unapproachable character for the youngsters that want to learn off him.
“He is amicable and will chat to those boys, so they will progress under him. His role will be not just to play but be a good role model to bring them on.
“Jamie will want to finish his career on a high. He is a very ambitious bloke and will do that alongside the development of the younger and less experienced players.”
Read the full interview in the South Wales Argus by clicking HERE
Jamie is up there with Percy Montgomery and Gary Teichmann – he’s a great big-name signing...
