Martin Roberts joins Chiefs on loan

The Exeter Chiefs confirmed the loan signing of Welsh international scrum-half Martin Roberts. 

Chiefs Head Coach Rob Baxter welcomed Roberts and said: 

“People are aware where we stand at the moment because of significant injuries to both Will Chudley and Dave Lewis – and don’t get me wrong I think the young lads [Jack Maunder & Stuart Townsend] are doing very well – but we thought we were leaving ourselves a little bit short on numbers and we have to make sure we are able to put quality options onto the field, particularly if we pick up another injury. 

“Obviously, we have been having a look around for a little bit and Martin has become available. He’s the ideal candidate we were looking for, just because he’s had good experience of the Premiership before, likes to play at a high tempo, and someone who we hope to get up to speed very quickly.

“He fits the bill perfectly for us and he’s going to be here until the end of the season where hopefully we can give him some opportunities to get some practice minutes under his belt pretty quickly.

“As I said, it’s not that we are not pleased with the people we have here currently, but we need to be able to cover ourselves. In a lot of ways Martin can be a very good influence on the team and the other scrum-halves that he is working with.

“I am really pleased to get someone in of such a good calibre so quickly and hopefully he can have a really good influence between now and the end of the season.”

Roberts is excited about the opportunity and is ready to get stuck in:

“I’m massively excited and looking forward to doing my bit in what should be an important part of the season,” said Roberts, who includes both the Ospreys and Scarlets amongst his former clubs,
as well as stints in the Premiership with Northampton Saints, Bath and Bristol.

“The Chiefs are going very well at the moment, so hopefully I can come in and help add to that and get some game time really.”

Having faced The Chiefs on a number of occasions, including this  season for Bristol  in the Premiership, Roberts is well aware of the threat the Devon club pose to rival opposition.

“Over the last couple of years the Chiefs have really taken the Premiership by storm and done tremendously well.  This year is no different, they are again up at the top end of the table, so I’m looking forward to it all.