Jonathan Roche has turned down interest from Ireland as he sets his sights on representing the Springboks.
The 23-year-old Stormers centre, who qualifies for Ireland through his paternal grandmother, has attracted attention from Irish rugby but is keen to continue his career in South Africa.
“Yes, he is eligible for Ireland,” Roc Nation Sports International’s global head of rugby Matt Norton told Rugby365.
“At the moment Roche would like to play for the Springboks. He is a Cape Town boy and a South African through-and-through.”
Roche is also eligible to represent Zimbabwe through his father’s family.
Norton revealed that Zimbabwe had approached the former Bishops pupil two years ago, while he was still studying at UCT.
“His dad’s side is from Zimbabwe,” Norton said. “He turned that down as well.
“Roche is doing well at the Stormers, his family is here, and he’s playing well for the Stormers.”
Roche’ Stormers contract is due to expire at the end of the season.
“He will extend at the Stormers,” Norton said.
“Who he plays his international rugby for down the line, who knows?
“He would love it to be the Springboks. If it is someone else, then so be it.”
ALSO: Stormers still ironing out the kinks
Roche made his Stormers debut at the end of 2024 and scored two tries in their 49-12 Investec Champions Cup victory against the Bristol Bears in Cape Town last Saturday.
He also featured against the All Blacks during the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour and was invited to a Springbok alignment camp last year.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
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Jonathan Roche has turned down interest from Ireland as he sets his sights on representing the Springboks. The 23-year-old Stormers centre, who qualifies for Ireland through his paternal grandmother, has attracted attention from Irish rugby but is keen to continue his career in South Africa. “Yes, he is eligible for Ireland,” Roc Nation Sports International’s global head of rugby Matt… Read more →
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