Since the age of ten, Steve Roberts has been playing full contact rugby, something unthinkable in todays game. Now a coach for Pencoed RFC, Roberts looks back at his proudest moment in the sport.
“My best game was a training game, I was playing for Llanelli under 21s against Wales under 21s, I played so well that they then invited me to play for them and that’s how I ended up being involved in the Wales set up.”
Playing for his country was an honour for Roberts, who continued his rugby career playing for a number of teams in South Wales, as well Clifton in Bristol, before ultimately hanging up the boots after a spell at Cowbridge.
During his career Roberts suffered several head injuries with one standing out more than the rest.
“I had a number of concussions, there was one when I was hit on the head then started running in opposite direction of the rest of the players, I had no idea what was going on.
“The physio came on the pitch, gave me some smelling salts which recovered me and then I just carried on playing the rest of the game.”
Now as a coach, Roberts sees how much the game has progressed in player safety.
“It’s the complete opposite now even if someone says they’ve had a knock on the head, as a coach it’s our responsibility as well as the medical team to do a head injury assessment.
“In the case of a concussion there is now a protocol to follow, you will be out the game for 21 days.”
While the effects of head injuries are difficult to see, Roberts believes the numerous concussions have taken a toll.
“I do feel that my memory is now not as good, I forget words that are relatively simple but that may be because I’m in my 50s now.
“I also on occasion suffer with changes in mood quite quickly for no real reason.”
Whilst originally unaware of the chance that concussions may now be affecting his life post rugby, research into former Wales international Alix Popham has shined a light on his symptoms.
“There is a retired player called Alix Popham who has a charity called Head For Change, I’ve been looking into his work and some of the symptoms he says he had, I feel like I have them.
“There is a course being run by them and Cardiff University that I will be taking part in just to see if there are any similarities between everyone.”
Head For Change is a charity that looks to support ex-players who have dealt with brain injuries through sport.
The charity also takes part in research to try and provide the answers needed to make a positive change for brain health in all sports.
