Tony Roche, who has died aged 76, was the long-time rugby union correspondent for The Sun newspaper; here, the Rugby Union Writers’ Club’s vice-chair Will Kelleher pays tribute; Tony’s son, Christopher, also shares a message…
BY WILL KELLEHER
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.
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.
Contemporaries remember Roche as a dashing figure, always well turned out in jacket and tie and sunglasses. In his younger days, he was an accomplished track athlete and local-league footballer.
Roche joined The Sun in 1995, and as the “ultimate red-top reporter”, as one former counterpart describes him, 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.
“Rochey” had an incredible gift of the gab, with anecdotes and choice descriptions of individuals and situations forever to hand – many of them linked to his beloved Wolverhampton Wanderers FC.
He returned home to Wexford in his retirement, and lived at the aptly named Molineux in Curracloe.
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
We have lost one of @RUWCOfficial great characters Tony Roche RIP pic.twitter.com/332qevKM60
— chris jones (@chrisjonespress) 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.
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