Roberts returns a better player

The Wales centre featured for the Babaas in their 25-18 win over the All Blacks at Twickenham on Saturday.

Roberts was one of three Blues players excused from Sunday's clash with Connacht in order to represent the world's most-famous touring team.

And Roberts believes the experiences he and team-mates Leigh Halfpenny and Andy Powell gained by playing with and against many of the world's greatest players will have a positive impact on their performances in the Magners League.

"Playing with guys who are that skilful is only going to improve my game individually," said Roberts, who produced some of his best rugby of the new season against the world's No1 ranked side.

"The Blues released the three of us and I'm sure not many clubs in Britain would do that.

"Hopefully it will improve my range of skills. You pick things up from other players and I'll go back to Cardiff a better player with more confidence.

"It's been one of the best weeks of my life. It's been amazing."

Roberts, who starred for the British & Irish Lions on their summer tour of South Africa, admitted that the chance to represent the Babaas was a huge honour.

The 23-year-old knows all about the history of the invitational side and even claimed that Saturday's victory meant a great deal to his father for more than just the obvious reason of seeing his son excel on the big stage.

"My Dad told me before I joined up with the Barbarians that he had a ticket for the 1973 game but couldn't go to it because of work commitments," added Roberts.

"It's his greatest regret in rugby not going to a match that has been labelled the best ever game.

"He wished me well before the match and I'm really chuffed to be part of this. Hopefully I've done him some justice with this win.

"We watched the 1973 match and had a meeting with a couple of old Barbarians on Friday night - Derek Quinnell was one of those there. He was involved in that try by Gareth Edwards so it was a privilege to meet him.

"There were some pretty special tries in that match and we've now added to that collection."