William Roche (rugby union)

William Joseph Roche (28 March 1895 in Limerick, Ireland 26 June 1983 in Bandon, County Cork, Ireland) was an Irish rugby union player who represented Munster, Ireland and the British Lions. He also played club rugby for both University College Cork and Newport.

William Roche
Birth nameWilliam Joseph Roche
Date of birth28 March 1895
Place of birthLimerick
Ireland
Date of death26 June 1983
Place of deathBandon, County Cork
Ireland
UniversityUniversity College Cork
Rugby union career
Position(s) Number 8
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
19xx-19xx
1920-1927
University College Cork
Newport
()
Provincial / State sides
Years Team Apps (Points)
Munster ()
National team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
1920
1924
Ireland
British Lions
3
0
0(3)
0(0)

Club career

Between 1920 and 1927 Roche played club rugby for Newport and was captain during the 1926-27 season. In 1926 he captained the club against the New Zealand Māoris in a game which ended in a 0-0 draw.[1]

Rugby international

Ireland

Roche won 3 caps for Ireland during the 1920 Five Nations Championship. He made his debut against England at Lansdowne Road on 14 February in a 14-11 defeat. He then played against Scotland on 28 February at Inverleith in a 19-0 defeat. He won his final cap against France on 3 April in a 15-7 defeat at Lansdowne. While playing for Ireland, his teammates included Ernie Crawford.[2][3]

British Lions

Roche was also selected for the British Lions squad for their 1924 tour of South Africa. However he did not play in any of the Test matches against South Africa.[4][5]

References

Rugby Union Captain
Preceded by
Harold Davies
Newport RFC Captain
1926-1927
Succeeded by
Vince Griffiths
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