FORMER Wales and Lions centre Jamie Roberts intends to keep playing – but is yet to talk about a new deal with the Dragons.
The 34-year-old has been a huge hit since he arrived at Rodney Parade in August on a one-season contract.
The former Cardiff Blues, Racing 92, Harlequins, Bath and Stormers centre has not only been valuable in passing on his experience to the next generation but has shown he still has the power to cut it at the top of the club game.
Roberts says the start to life at Rodney Parade has convinced him to keep playing, but that contract negotiations with director of rugby Dean Ryan are yet to take place.
“We haven't had that conversation yet,” said the centre, won 94 Wales caps. “I am happy in myself and I am happy playing, my body feels good.
“Those factors are enough for me to want to keep on playing... I'll ask Dean when I get off this Zoom call!”
Roberts made his professional debut for the Blues 13 years ago but still has the appetite for the big collisions – with a new approach for games behind closed doors.
“I love it, the physical challenge is part of why I love the game,” said the 2009 and 2013 Test Lion. “It's been fun and I am enjoying my rugby now as much as I ever have, training and playing.
“The hardest thing at the moment is the challenge of not having crowds, so the way that I've taken to that is to relax far more during the week.
“I've made a conscious decision to chill during the week, not waste any emotional energy and save it all for 80 minutes, knowing full well that none of that energy can come from a crowd.
“It's all got to come from within and it's quite strange to bring it yourself. I've taken this approach to be very, very relaxed in the week and just explode come the weekend.”
The Dragons will hope that the Blues feel the force of that approach on Boxing Day when Roberts, an Arms Park legend, plays his first Welsh derby since 2013.
"I am really stoked to be playing on the weekend against my former team. Any player will tell you that you always raise your game a bit,” said Roberts, who made 86 appearances over eight years in the capital.
"I was lucky to do it with Quins against Cardiff Blues a few years back at the Stoop and it was good fun.
"You just have that little bit of extra nervousness and that usually brings out a strong performance."
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