Dietrich Roache: Writing his own ticket

Before he started lighting up the HSBC World Sevens Series Sevens, Dietrich Roache was in the exact same position as many at Allianz Stadium this weekend.

Roache, who admits to being a bit of a “leaguie” as a kid, was handed a free ticket to the Sydney Sevens in 2018, the last time the event was held in the Moore Park precinct.

The flyer looked on in awe and was hooked instantly as the Australians stunned the world, claiming the men’s title after upsetting the All Blacks Sevens in the quarter-finals before shutting out Argentina and South Africa in the semis and gold medal matches.

The tournament was the first time the Aussies had claimed the men’s and women’s titles at their home event, with the women making history by not conceding a point across the tournament.

“I got a ticket in 2018 for the Sevens that year when we won it,” Roache said leading into the Sydney tournament.

“There’s no better way (to be inspired ) than watching Australia win, it definitely gave me that fire to chase that dream. Now I’m here and I’m grateful for where I’m at.”

From there, Roache joined the Western Sydney Two Blues in the Shute Shield competition and before long found himself at the Tokyo Olympics before making his World Series debut.

Roache was the youngest in an Olympic squad that struggled to gain any sort of traction, eventually falling in the quarter-finals to eventual gold medallists Fiji.

The 21-year-old then stepped up as one of the leaders in a squad that underwent a major facelift in the wake of their “modest” showing at the Olympics.

But within 12 months Roache would finish HSBC World Sevens Series as the leading points-scorer, with their consistency under new boss John Manenti guiding them to an historic maiden title.

Even with the World Series under their belt, Roache and the group still holds on to the “misfits” tag that they attracted after Tokyo with pride.

The team has expanded from the initial handful that were contracted full-time but the departure of 2021-22 Impact Player of the Year Corey Toole - he’s having a crack in the Brumbies Super Rugby squad this year - has left a major hole.

Roache has filled the void admirably, sitting tied on the Impact Player table with Vaa Apelu Maliko.

“I feel like I’m one of the senior players now, so I feel like I do have a responsibility to carry the way we play and ourselves,” Roache admits.

“I pride myself on that and I want to be the best I can for all the new players, especially in Australia where we have a lot of talent. 

“Them coming in and seeing our program, I want to make sure they really realise it’s one of the best in the world.”

The Hong Kong title in October showed their World Series wasn’t a fluke, beating powerhouse Fiji to the title.

Disappointing performances in Cape Town and Dubai won’t dent the confidence of the side, looking to constantly stay ahead in a competition where up to nine teams can win on any single weekend.

“There’s a real confidence around the group,” Roache says.

“To our standards, we didn’t perform in Cape Town or Dubai but going forward we see 2023 as a fresh start for us so we’re keen to put our best foot forward.

“Coming off last year, the team is confident and we know we can match it with the best. We’ve put the work in and we’re looking to improve in a number of areas.”

“I feel (the World Series) is very competitive right now. Countries all around the world are building their Sevens programs and they keep getting better. It’s just an even bigger challenge for us I reckon, we love to come from behind.

“We’re not really the underdogs anymore, but it’s about learning to always be one step ahead of the competition.”

Sydney will mark the first time the largely NSW-based squad will get the chance to play in front of a home crowd.

“I think we only have a limited amount of tickets but I’ve already had a lot of requests already from family for Sydney,” Roache added.

“Obviously, I’m very excited and keen for that. There’s a lot of family and friends and a lot of people to support us. 

“We’re going to do everything we can and we’re very keen to put in a good performance for everyone that’s coming out to watch.”

Given his history, Roache understands more than anyone what a title in Sydney would do to inspire the next generation.

“We now get the opportunity in Sydney to make our mark in history,” he explained

“It gives us that extra boost of confidence, which I saw in 2018. We’re starting to feel it and we know that the crowd will be behind us.

“It’s a massive opportunity for us to show Australia what Sevens can do for you

“All the kids out there can see that Sevens is a genuine option where you can not only travel the world but it’s an exciting brand of footy.

“I feel like it’s a big opportunity not just for our team but for the sporting world as well in Australia.”