Welcome to the first part of our member highlight series! SUFC is thrilled to spotlight our incredible members, celebrating their contributions to the club and community. Our first highlight is Tony Gooch—a former SUFC player and coach, and a current member with ties to the club dating back to 1976.
Tony’s Journey with SUFC
What inspired you to join SUFC? “I wanted to continue playing rugby after high school. I was lucky to get into Sydney Uni and saw it as a great opportunity to play rugby and make friends. I remember signing up on Freshers Day and being enticed by the offer of a free beer and pie night. I started in 3rd Grade playing no. 10, and although we lost our first game against Norths at North Sydney Oval, it was an unforgettable experience!”
Favourite SUFC Memory? “My favourite memory is the 1979 SUFC Tour to the West Coast of America. We played against big universities like UCLA, Berkeley, Stanford, and UBC, winning most of our games. It was my first overseas trip, and the people we met and experiences we had were unforgettable. We’ve had a few reunions since, and it’s always great to reminisce.”
Tony’s Admired Players and Fun Moments
Players Tony Admires:
- Phil Crowe: “A silky smooth and skillful winger.”
- Michael Hawker: “The best no. 12 I’ve ever seen, even though he played some test football on the wing.”
- Nick Farr Jones: “He was so good and changed the way no. 9’s played.”
One common thread between these players is that they are all former wallabies who developed their skills through time at SUFC.
Funny or Unexpected Moments: “I remember coaching Colts with Steve Anthony at Johns Oval in the early 1980s. One day, our team was short, and we brought in a player we had never seen before—a fullback who played with his socks down and was the best player on the field. I suggested he play for my second-grade team the following week, but Steve said it was unlikely. That player was Bob Edgerton, who went on to play for the Wallabies.” This was his first of many wonderful games he played for SUFC, and he never did play 2nd Grade colts.” Though Edgerton never played for the 2nd grade colts, he would go on to play for the Wallabies after developing his career at SUFC.
Life as an SUFC Member
Impact of Membership: “I’ve been lucky enough to make lifelong friends through SUFC. It’s allowed me to share my passion for rugby and get to know many families and friends over the years.”
Wishes for SUFC in 2025: “Fewer injuries and more wins in tight games. It’s interesting that while other 1st Grade Rugby Clubs wanted to see SUFC fail in the ’70s and ’80s, many now try to emulate our blueprint for success.”
Advice for New Members: “Get involved and give it your all. SUFC has been a significant part of my life, and I’m sure it will continue to be for many others.”
To purchase your SUFC membership for 2025, click here