Ospreys: Welsh region laugh off Jamie Roberts link

Jamie Roberts has made 69 appearances for Wales.

Ospreys have refused to be drawn on stories linking Racing Metro's Wales centre Jamie Roberts with a move to Liberty Stadium.

The 28-year-old British and Irish Lion is reported to be leaving the French club at the end of the the season.

Forward coach Chris Gibbes said he knew nothing of any potential move, but could not resist a joke.

"I'm not the right guy to ask, but if he wants to come and play second row or back row I'd be happy," he said.

Newspapers have linked Roberts with a move to either the Swansea-based Ospreys or Scarlets on a Welsh Rugby Union dual contract.

However, the Ospreys have not contacted the player and it is understood Roberts has not made an approach to them.

Ospreys are the only one of the Welsh teams able to guarantee a European Champions Cup in 2015-16 place as they are likely to finish as the top Welsh region in the Pro12.

They lie fourth with four matches left to play - 16 points ahead of eighth-placed Scarlets who are the next best-placed of the regions.

Roberts played for Cardiff Blues before moving to France in the summer of 2013.

Under the terms of the WRU's financial settlement with the regions, Blues have first refusal on Roberts if he chooses to return to Wales.

However, the same applied to back-row forward Dan Lydiate when he came back from France, when he opted for Ospreys ahead of his "nursery" region Newport Gwent Dragons.

Roberts has also been linked with Aviva Premiership club Harlequins.