Martin Roberts

Memories and Tributes

"A sharp-shooting utility back and dedicated coach whose tactical intelligence and 485 points for Gloucester anchored the club through its transition into the professional era."

Martin Roberts was born in Gloucester on 26 January 1968. His parents came from the Forest of Dean. The family moved to Gloucester and he was educated at Parton Manor Primary School, Churchdown and Chosen Hill School. His first love was football, but at Chosen Hill – a “rugby school” coached by Dave Protherough of Moseley and Adrian Turton of Gloucester he was converted to rugby. He played rugby for Gloucestershire Schools and then joined Cheltenham Colts at 16.

Martin made his debut for the Cheltenham 1st XV as a 17 year old in 1985 and was a first team regular from 1986-89. His first appearance for Cheltenham at Kingsholm was on 12 November 1986 at full back in a match which Gloucester won 36-13.

His last game for Cheltenham against Gloucester was in the centre at the Prince of Wales Stadium on 15 March 1989. This was to be Cheltenham’s last victory over the old enemy, a win by 19 points to 16, after losing 48-3 at Kingsholm earlier in the season.

Martin Roberts joined Gloucester as a centre for the 1989-90 season. He made his debut against Stroud on 5 September 1989, scoring a try under the posts, but competition was fierce both in the centre and at full back in a hugely successful season for the club and he only played three more 1st XV games, two as replacement.

Life Timeline

Born in Gloucester to parents from the Forest of Dean.

1968: Born
Joined Cheltenham Colts at age 16, quickly making a name for himself in the local junior circuit.

1984: Cheltenham Colts Start
Made his senior debut for Cheltenham 1st XV at just 17 years old.

1985: Senior Debut
Educated at Chosen Hill School. Originally a footballer, he was converted to rugby by coaches Dave Protherough and Adrian Turton, eventually representing Gloucestershire Schools.

1985: School & Rugby Transition
Made his first appearance at Kingsholm, playing fullback for Cheltenham against Gloucester.

1986: First Kingsholm Appearance
Played center in Cheltenham's historic 19–16 victory over Gloucester at the Prince of Wales Stadium—Cheltenham’s last win over their local rivals.

1989: Historic Victory Over Gloucester
Joined Gloucester RFC and scored a try on his debut against Stroud.

1989: Gloucester Debut Impact
Made his Courage Championship debut against Harlequins, kicking 14 points in a 38–19 victory.

1991: Championship Debut
Enjoyed a breakthrough season, scoring 157 points in 21 games and winning the Kinsale Sevens while on tour in Ireland.

1992: Breakthrough Season
Formed a vital center partnership with Don Caskie. This duo became the defensive "heart" of a budget-limited Gloucester squad fighting for survival in the first two years of the professional era.

1995: Key Centre Partnership
Featured in the famous 32–30 victory over Leicester Tigers, a result that denied the Tigers the league title and secured Gloucester’s top-flight status.

1997: Famous Leicester ictory
Joined Moseley RFC, where he was appointed Captain. He famously led them to a gritty 18–16 win over a star-studded Worcester side in 1999.

1998: Moseley Captaincy
Finished his Gloucester career with 114 appearances and 485 points.

1998: Career Record Achieved
Moved to Pertemps Bees (Birmingham & Solihull), making 43 appearances and serving as Vice-Captain.

2000: Pertemps Bees Move
Transitioned into coaching as a Player/Backs Coach at Cinderford RFC.

2002: Coaching Career Begins
Remained heavily involved in the grassroots game, coaching at Hereford and his alma mater, Chosen Hill. He also toured globally with international veterans' 7s teams.

2005: Grassroots Coaching Impact
Tragically passed away at the age of 48 following a sudden heart attack shortly after coaching a session at Chosen Hill.

2016: Sudden Passing
Kingsholm Stadium held a moving minute of applause before Gloucester’s match against Exeter Chiefs, with fans and former teammates honoring his lifetime of service to the sport.

2016: Kingsholm Tribute