The former Wales and British & Irish Lions centre has heaped praise on one of Welsh rugby’s newest stars
10:43, 30 Mar 2026Updated 13:18, 30 Mar 2026
Roberts has named his favourite player in Welsh rugby(Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency)
Wales legend Jamie Roberts has named Scarlets back rower Fletcher Anderson as his “favourite player” after the New Zealander delivered the latest impressive performance of his debut campaign in Welsh rugby.
The 23-year-old New Zealander only signed for the Scarlets in the autumn but he has already made a huge impression in his first five months in Llanelli, making 14 appearances in all competitions and establishing himself as one of the most powerful and effective carriers in the United Rugby Championship.
Despite missing the opening four rounds, he has made the third-most carries (166) of the league season so far, while he is also high up on the leaderboard for metres gained (488).
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Despite his side falling to a 36-19 defeat to Leinster on Friday night, Anderson delivered another excellent performance at the Aviva Stadium as the Scarlets fell just short of a deserved losing bonus point.
The former Crusaders star stood out once again as he made 27 carries and 62 metres, as well as finishing the game as his side’s top tackler with 14, and his performance saw Roberts single him out for praise following the match.
“Fletcher Anderson is my favourite player,” the former Wales and British & Irish Lions centre told S4C. “Unfortunately he cannot play for Wales yet, but what a performance.”
Anderson impressed yet again against Leinster(Image: Huw Evans Agency)
As Roberts alluded to, Anderson’s impressive start to life in Welsh rugby has seen him emerge as a potential new target for Wales, with head coach Steve Tandy set to focus on building some much-needed strength in depth over the next few year.
However, the back rower will have to wait until 2030 before becoming eligible to represent Tandy’s side on residency grounds.
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That would be a huge commitment for Anderson to make, particularly if he continues his impressive form – which will undoubtedly see him attract interest from clubs in England, France, Japan and back home in New Zealand.
But if he is open to representing Wales at some point in the future, the Welsh Rugby Union has been urged to be proactive and invest in players like the Scarlets man, with the national side short of ball carriers of his stature.
Anderson is one of several names that have emerged as potential targets for Wales, with Florida-born Ospreys playmaker Jack Walsh set to qualify on residency shortly before next year’s Rugby World Cup.
Australian tighthead prop Archer Holz has been identified as another Scarlets star to keep tabs on, while Crusaders lock Tahlor Cahill, Exeter Chiefs back row Kane James and Harlequins duo Jonny Green and Bryn Bradley are also in the mix.
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