JAMIE Roberts is relishing getting back to business in a Wales shirt following the disappointment of another failed World Cup tilt, and the veteran centre is hoping history can repeat itself during the 2016 Six Nations, writes Jack Miller.

Historically Wales have always bounced back well from their World Cup shortcomings, claiming historic Grand Slams in the 2008 and 2012 Six Nations Championships.

And with a relatively short turnaround since last year's quarter-final exit to South Africa, Wales are hotly-tipped with Scotland still a side in transition while England and France face an upheaval following the appointment of new head coaches.

Warren Gatland named the squad earlier this week he believes can topple two-time defending champions Ireland from their perch and 29-year-old Roberts is ready to get back on the horse.

"I think it's one of the toughest Six Nations to call actually, in quite a long time," said Roberts, who was speaking at the launch of Harlequins teammate Chris Robshaw's Testimonial Year.

"If you look back over the last two World Cups, we've won a Grand Slam afterwards so hopefully history can repeat itself.

"The Six Nations after a World Cup it is always a bit different, having done it myself twice now, it's very exciting.

"The guys are looking forward to meeting up next week and it's a huge tournament, the great tournament in Northern hemisphere rugby and all the players are really looking forward to getting involved.

"All the teams have played some fantastic rugby during the World Cup and obviously there will be a few new faces in all of the squads and as teams look to rebuild during this four year cycle towards the next one.

"It's a wonderful competition and I am really excited to have been selected to compete for my country again in it."

Speaking at the launch of the testimonial year for England's World Cup skipper and Harlequins teammate Robshaw, Roberts is quick to point out that club allegiances will soon end and that there is no love lost between the home nations.

England renew their age-old rivalry with Wales at Twickenham on March 12, and Roberts is keen for some payback after the Red Rose was victorious at the Principality Stadium during the last campaign.

He added: "Chris was one of the guys I kind of knew before coming to Harlequins and he has helped me settle in here.

"He's one of the names you associate with the club in our generation, but international rugby comes around pretty quickly after the World Cup, and hopefully we can do the business in a red shirt.

"There's a lot of experience within our squad, and having a pretty settled squad is important. But Warren likes to change things up every campaign and the aim is to improve once again on the World Cup and learn from our mistakes.

"Some of the teams have got new coaches and new players coming in, it will be very interesting come February and March."

For more information about the Chris Robshaw Testimonial year, please visit the website at testimonial.chrisrobshaw.com/ or call the event office on 0203 7706982