Stu Roche is Michigan Rugby’s Strength and Conditioning coach as well as an assistant with the backs. Stu’s dedication to the club started as an exchange student a few years ago and he’s been hooked ever since. Stu brings experience as an intern with the U of M Athletic Department and has designed a very comprehensive SnC program for the team. The results are already starting to show on the field so if you stop by for a game, Stu’s the man to say thanks to!
How long have you been playing rugby for?
13 years
What is your position?
I consider myself a scrumhalf at heart but I’ve been known to dabble elsewhere.
What is your favorite memory about UMRFC?
UMRFC Bahamas tour of 2010. Touring is what separates rugby from so many other sports, and not in the fact that it’s unique but in the fact that it’s central to the rugby way of life.
What is the most memorable moment in your rugby career?
Touring Chile and Argentina in 2007 with my high school team. If there’s anywhere to tour South America is the place to be.
How long have you been a strength and conditioning coach?
Coming up on 2 years now
What is your coaching philosophy?
I should probably say something really deep and meaningful here…but to tell the truth I, like many others, do not have a defined coaching philosophy. In a sense I think a philosophy is portrayed in the way you conduct yourself both inside and outside the game of rugby, it is not something I have written down to remind me or take reference from. The core values you hold will dictate your personal philosophies and hence your coaching philosophy.
Who is your favorite player?
Favorite player…that’s always a hard one! I’d have to go with old and new on this one. For the old I’d go with Phil Bennett of the 1973 Barbarians. He was totally ahead of his time athletically and intellectually in terms of game sense, he played with his head up and wasn’t afraid to attack from inside his own 22. The new…well that’s a harder decision, there’s a lot of young talent around at the moment. I was pretty excited by England’s new Fly Half for this year’s Six Nations Tournament – Owen Farrell, granted he needs more experience at the international level but give him a year or so and I think he’ll have it sussed!
Who has motivated you the most and why?
Coach O’Kane. He’s demonstrated to me that even faced with an unfortunate body composition and poor, poor hygiene you can still be an incredible rugby man.
What is your favorite food?
Fish and Chips
Who is your favorite international team?
Bog standard answer, the New Zealand All Blacks
Do you have any other hobbies besides rugby?
Croquet
How long have you been here in the US?
About a year now
What are you doing here for the school?
I’m currently working in the Biomedical Science Research Building department of Orthopaedic Surgery. We’re interested in the post-surgery recovery process from rotator cuff tear and ACL repair. It’s a neat way to stay in touch with the scientific field whilst applying what I learn to the athletic setting.
How long will you be staying?
As long as I can evade the Feds
What is your height, weight, hometown, and eye color?
1 metre 75 centimetres. 11 stone. Stamford , England. Blue.
What is your biggest fear?
Michael LaCivita offloading
Best advice you have been given?
Nerves and butterflies are fine – they’re a physical sign that you’re mentally ready and eager. You have to get the butterflies to fly in formation, that’s the trick
Any advice you want to give to the players on the team (new and old)?
‘A word to the wise ain’t necessary, it’s the stupid ones that need the advice!’ Bill Crosby
