Wayne Pivac calls up SA-born Ulster hooker

Following the withdrawal of Ken Owens from the Welsh national squad, head coach Wayne Pivac has called up 25 year-old South African-born Bradley Roberts, who currently plies his trade with Ulster in the United Rugby Championship.  

Roberts qualifies to play for Wales through his paternal grandmother.  

He broke into the Ulster set-up in November 2020 after being employed as back-up to fellow South African Rob Herring.  

His journey hitherto has been an unorthodox one. After finishing his schooling in Durban, Roberts was not offered a provincial deal by any of South Africa’s unions and subsequently took his talents to Wales where he turned out for RGC for a year. 

He returned home to South Africa with the intention of going back to Wales and playing on, but a chance call came from the Natal Sharks to train with their U19 side which he heeded. However, at the conclusion of a good season with the age-group team, no contract materialised.  

Roberts decided to take a break from the game and enrolled at the University of Stellenbosch just outside Cape Town. However, when his agent called him with the news that an Irish club were in search of a hooker, he grabbed the opportunity and headed north, eventually linking up with Ulster. 

He has since become a favourite amongst the fans at Kingspan Stadium and now has the opportunity to don the red jersey of Wales.