William Roberts (28 October 1871 – 25 August 1937)[1][2] was a New Zealand rugby union player who represented the All Blacks between 1896 and 1897.
[3][4] Roberts was then selected for the national side, in what was named an "unofficial" test against the Queensland visitors.
[3] After the tour the team played the Auckland provincial side when they returned to New Zealand.
During the post-match gathering, Roberts and teammate Joe Calnan were suspended from playing any level of rugby for two seasons due to inappropriate behaviour.
[3][4] He never appeared for the national side again but continued playing club and provincial rugby until 1903.