Tony Roche, who has died aged 76, was the long-time rugby union correspondent for The Sun newspaper; here, Hugh Godwin of the i Paper pays tribute to the former Rugby Union Writers’ Club chair; Tony’s son, Christopher, also shares a message…
BY HUGH GODWIN
The Rugby Union Writers’ Club sends its love and condolences to the family and friends of Tony Roche, former rugby union correspondent of The Sun and Today, who has passed away, aged 76, in Ireland.
The Wexford-born Roche started in journalism with the Barnet Press and Hendon Times in North London, followed by the Watford Evening Echo, the original Hayters Sports Agency and IPC Magazines, building experience in the written word for numerous titles, including Football Monthly and also in radio.
He freelanced for the Sunday Mirror, Daily Mirror and (London) Evening News, and subbed at The Times.
From this time emerged the famous story of his broadcast to Radio Hallam, at a match between Millwall and one of the Sheffield clubs.
Having summarised the basic details of a less-than-thrilling game and handed back to the studio, ‘Rochey’ was off guard when the presenter came back to ask for his personal thoughts on proceedings.
Assuming he was now off air, Tony delivered a no-holds-barred monologue, including his firm belief the visiting forward couldn’t hit a cow’s arse with a banjo.
There was a lengthy silence at the other end of the line until the stammering presenter, live on air to a startled Yorkshire audience, uttered the classic line: “Strong words from our man at The Den!”
Roche joined the Today newspaper in 1986 and was their first and only rugby union correspondent, making friendships with top players including Will Carling and Jerry Guscott during England’s back-to-back Grand Slams and 1991 World Cup final appearance.
He became an enthusiastic wing for the rugby writers’ XV, scoring a popular try in Perth in 1989 against a team including Mark Ella.
Chris Jones, our RUWC treasurer, and counterpart to Roche on the Evening Standard in those days, remembers: “There are hundreds of stories surrounding Rochey, some of them printable.
“In the late 1980s, he and Terry Cooper (of the Press Association) and I would go to Dublin ahead of the Ireland/England match. On one Thursday evening out with the England management, Geoff Cooke, the head coach, accepted Rochey’s challenge to a whiskey duel.
“At training on the Friday morning, Geoff confined himself to the far end of the field – most observers thought he was hatching a secret plan to beat the Irish, when in fact he was just recovering.
“Rochey was the perfect person to get on with the players. He used to pass Jerry Guscott a cigarette under the wall dividing the changing room from the press room. Among the later vintage, Phil Vickery has been in touch to say ‘such a sad day – what a lovely man’, and Lawrence Dallaglio wrote: ‘I have such wonderful and fond memories of TR – proper Oliver Reed musketeer!’”
We have lost one of @RUWCOfficial great characters Tony Roche RIP pic.twitter.com/332qevKM60
— chris jones (@chrisjonespress) April 30, 2026
Roche joined The Sun in 1995, and as the “ultimate red-top reporter”, as Jones describes him, he served as their rugby correspondent through to 2009.
He was chairman of the Rugby Union Writers’ Club from 1994 to 1996.
Across his career, he reported from more than 300 international matches around the world, 233 involving England, and six British & Irish Lions tours, as well as the Republic of Ireland’s exploits in the football World Cup in Italy in 1990.
Jill Douglas, broadcaster and RUWC committee member, writes: “I first encountered Rochey almost 30 years ago (I was so very young!) when I started presenting Rugby Special. As the only girl in a press conference/press box or on tour, I found him an absolute gent – wise, kind and hilarious.”
All of Rochey’s friends would testify to this gift of the gab, with anecdotes and choice epithets forever to hand. Stuck on the M1 after a trip to Leicester or Northampton or wherever, he’d arch an eyebrow at a sign saying “Road Works” and shout: “No, it doesn’t f***ing work!”
He never stopped following the fortunes of his beloved Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, and when he returned to Wexford in his retirement, his home was the aptly named Molineux in Curracloe.
He is survived by his wife Judy, and his sons Adrian, Christopher and Daniel.
A message from Christopher Roche
My father passed away on Wednesday evening in his home county of Wexford, Ireland. He was with his wife Judy, me, and his youngest son, Daniel.
We spent the time reminiscing, reading him the sports pages, and listening to Wagner together.
Many of my childhood memories of dad are entwined with his love for rugby – Sunday mornings watching England train at Twickenham before the game went ‘open’, encyclopedic match trivia laden arguments between dad and Terry Cooper during long car journeys, and the traditional post-game hunts, first for a pay phone to ad-lib at a copy taker, then for a decent bottle of red to accompany a cathartic rant about officials and/or rule changes.
Rugby and football were so much of dad’s life, and the friends he made through writing about the sports he loved were among his most cherished.
In time, we will arrange a gathering in the UK to remember him. Those who would like to attend are welcome to email me (chris@zap13.com) if they’d like to know when we’ll meet to raise a glass.
Christopher Roche
More tributes to Tony Roche
Nick Heath, chair of the RUWC
Tony Roche was a wonderful journalist with a rapier wit. Welcoming to all, his words – whether crafted in print or ranted with a glass of red in hand – were rarely off the mark. Our world is a little dimmer. RIP Rochey.
So sad to hear of the passing of Tony Roche (Louis Anthony Joseph de la Roche to give him his full glory). He was there on my first day of work in 1977. Initially, a football writer and magazine editor but then came rugby and the fun really started. Raconteur, reporter, hilarious
— John Etheridge (@JohnSunCricket) April 30, 2026
Saddened beyond description to learn my old TODAY sport colleague Tony Roche has passed away.
— MIKE WALTERS (@MikeWaltersMGM) April 30, 2026
Rochey was one of the warmest, wittiest, most supportive and engaging souls of all.
He made us laugh – the greatest gift in communication – and passed that gift to his son.
RIP old chum
A multitude of ex-players from rugby and football will be saddened to learn that the inimitable sports journalist Tony Roche has died in his native Wexford. Loved by all for his humanity, Tony's memory will live on wherever old friends reminisce about the rare auld times 🙏
— Peter Jackson (@JackoRugby) April 30, 2026
Heartbroken by the passing of the great Tony Roche. A wonderful friend, colleague and touring companion. Travelled the world with him and I don’t think he ever stopped making me laugh. They’ll need to get that heavenly bar open sharpish. Rest easy pal. Thank you for everything.
— Andrew Baldock (@balders2) April 30, 2026
Saddest of days for members of @RUWCOfficial across the sport after death of the remarkable, indomitable Tony Roche in his adopted Ireland. God Bless Rochey. the thousand stories of you will still be told.
— Stephen Jones (@stephenjones9) April 30, 2026
The RUWC account on X is sharing more tributes.
If you are interested in sharing your memories of Tony via publication on the SJA website, please email us – we welcome your contributions.
Further reading…
Legendary journalist and dad of BBC Outnumbered star dies as tributes pour in (John Jones, Wales Online)
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