Jamie Roberts has revealed how Warren Gatland once humiliated him in front of the whole Wales team, with the former centre explaining how it shaped his career.
Having made his debut on the wing under Gatland in the 2008 Six Nations, Roberts was moved to inside centre later in the year by the Wales coach. Once in midfield, he became a crucial part of Gatland's side - going on to play on two Lions tours and win multiple Six Nations titles.
Lions fame and a brutal wake-up call
It was after the first of those Lions tours, when Roberts was named player of the series in South Africa, that Gatland brought him down to earth with a bump.
In the following year's Six Nations, feeling that Roberts had become too big for his boots after his Lions exploits, he cut him down to size in front of his team-mates and the entire Wales staff.
Speaking on the Dodge Woodall Podcast, Roberts explained how he found himself dealing with a new level of fame following the 2009 tour of South Africa.
"In a way, your profile does," said Roberts after being asked if he felt on a whole other level following that 2009 tour. "Without a doubt, when you live those experiences and play well against the best sides in the world, the confidence it gives you is immeasurable.
"You walk that inch taller and believe in your skillset. You have to live these experiences, whether you lose or win. It changed my life, that tour. It changed my career trajectory."
The team meeting confrontation
That led Roberts to reflect on Gatland's brutally honest words in front of the entire Wales squad.
"One of my favourite memories, albeit a savage one... as I said, it (the tour) changed my life and I started doing more TV," he said. "People were stopping me on the street.
"Warren Gatland kind of got wind of that. Fast-forward to the next year's Six Nations.
"It was a midweek session, probably a Thursday. A big session ahead of big game. I can't remember the exact game, it might have been England.
"I was sat in the team meeting room. All the players and support staff are there. There's probably about 70 people in there.
"We're about to go out, we've done a big debrief ahead of the session. He's like 'Right fellas, let's go have a good session'.
"Everyone goes to stand up. Then he goes, 'Oh, one second. Jamie, when are you going to start concentrating on being a better rugby player and not trying to be famous?'
"In the moment, I was raging. But I am forever grateful for him doing that, when I reflect on him doing that."
Roberts' respect for Gatland
"He obviously felt I could take it in front of the lads, because I got ripped apart. It was one of those moments in my career that I needed.
"I was a young lad and you say yes to everything. That's part and parcel of being a young sportsman. You're living the dream.
"But there was a coach there who knew what was best for me and thought this guy deserves a bit of a rocket in front of everyone. It was absolutely savage.
"It made me feel that small in front of the lads. I've (since) thanked him. That's what makes him a coach.
"Warren was an incredible rugby coach who understood his players and pushed certain buttons, understanding what motivated people. Off the back of that tour, you remember the moments that shaped you and that was one of them."
Roberts added that the former Wales coach had the "biggest impact" on his playing career.
