We caught up with successful Australian Men’s Open 2015 World Cup winning captain, Steve Roberts, at the 2016 Trans Tasman series in New Zealand.

Roberts took on the role of Japan Men’s Open coach as part of the partnership between Touch Football Australia and Japan Touch Association.

Roberts spoke about his time in Japan prior to the event and the culture the Japanese bring to the sport.

“We went over in January for a training session so they could learn the basic skills and tighten up their defence. We then went over again two weeks before New Zealand and had to put together a game plan. There are still kinks in the chain but they improved and developed throughout the tournament.” “You can take a lot away from their culture and the way they operate with each other. They do everything and show so much respect for each other and no one is bigger than the team,” Roberts said.

Roberts also spoke about the change from a player to a coach and how it offered a very different perspective to the game.

“Coaching is very different. It can be frustrating because you would like to get out there and release a bit of your emotions on the field, I just have to do it in the box,” Roberts said.

When reflecting on his career, Roberts was adamant about enjoying the experience and not taking it for granted.

“Being here and being around Touch Football makes you realise how much you miss it. If there is a message I could say now to the current players, it would be to never take it for granted. When you are coming towards the end of a tournament, you just never know if it will be your last time to wear the green and gold which is always an absolute privilege.”

Check out the full interview on the TFA website.