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Tributes have been paid to the “ultimate red-top reporter” who was beloved by his friends and colleagues
Roche has been remembered as a legend of sports journalism(Image: The Rugby Union Writers’ Club)
Tributes have poured in for popular rugby writer Tony Roche, who has died at the age of 76.
Known as ‘Rochey’, the Wexford-born journalist started his career at the Barnet Press and Hendon Times in North London and worked for the likes of the Watford Evening Echo, Hayters Sports Agency and IPC Magazines before joining the Today newspaper in 1986. He then moved to The Sun in 1995, spending 14 years with the national paper and covering rugby all around the world.
His career saw him cover 300 international matches – including a total of 233 involving England – as well as six British and Irish Lions tours.
Regarded by his Sun colleagues as “the ultimate red-top reporter”, Roche also covered the Republic of Ireland at the FIFA World Cup in Italy in 1990, while he became good friends with the likes of England rugby stars Will Carling and Jeremy Guscott.
He returned to Ireland in retirement and has now tragically passed away, leaving behind his wife Judy and three sons.
Roche’s youngest son Daniel found fame as a child actor after portraying Ben Brockman in hit BBC sitcom Outnumbered, while he also played the title role in Just William and appeared in other shows including Little Crackers and Casualty.
Tributes have poured in for Roche – who also served as chairman of the Rugby Union Writers’ Club from 1994 to 1996 – from across the rugby community.
Veteran journalist Peter Jackson wrote on X: “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.”
Former Sunday Times writer Stephen Jones wrote: “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.”
“Very sad news to hear of the passing of the legendary Tony Roche,” wrote Graham Thomas. “The life, soul, humour, sage advice and booming voice of so many good times covering rugby in all corners. RIP Rochey.”
A statement from the Rugby Union Writers’ Club read: “Tony Roche RIP. We send love to family & friends of Rochey, who has passed away in Ireland.
“A dashing raconteur & RUWC chair, he was the ultimate red-top reporter, particularly at The Sun for 14 years, in a rich career across six Lions tours and more than 300 Tests.”
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