Stormers star rejects Irish advances

An in-demand Stormer has turned down interest from Ireland as he sets his sights on representing the Springboks.

By Simon Borchardt · SA Rugby Mag

Published: Tuesday, 20 October 2026 at 6:21 PM

Key Things to Know

Stormers center Jonathan Roche has turned down interest from Ireland to pursue Springbok ambitions.
Roche plans to extend his contract with the Stormers beyond the current season, his representative confirmed.
The 23-year-old previously declined an approach to represent Zimbabwe, for which he qualifies through his father.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Stormers center Jonathan Roche has rejected interest from Ireland as he aims to represent the Springboks internationally. Roc Nation Sports International's global head of rugby, Matt Norton, confirmed that despite being eligible for Ireland through his paternal grandmother, the 23-year-old plans to remain in South Africa and extend his expiring contract with the Stormers.

Roche, who previously turned down an approach from Zimbabwe, attended a Springbok alignment camp last year. The center recently scored two tries in the Stormers' 49-12 Investec Champions Cup victory against the Bristol Bears in Cape Town.

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Stormers star rejects Irish advances

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