Biography
Roger George Gould, born in Brisbane, Australia, on April 4, 1957, is a retired Australian rugby union player who primarily played as a fullback. Standing at 1.88 meters (6′ 2″) and weighing 90 kg (198 lb), Gould had an imposing physical presence on the field. He made his professional rugby debut in 1975 with Wests Rugby and went on to have a successful career, playing until 1990. Known for his exceptional kicking ability and solid defensive play, Gould is regarded as one of the finest fullbacks of the 1980s. After retiring from professional rugby, he ventured into the catering business.
Teams and Years Played
- Wests Rugby (Australia): 1975–1990
- Queensland Reds (Australia): 1978–1987
- Petrarca Rugby (Italy): 1982–1984
International Caps
Roger Gould was capped 25 times by the Australian national rugby team, the Wallabies, between 1980 and 1987. He scored a total of 86 points during his international career, which included tries and points from kicks.
Key Moments in His Sports Career
- 1980 Bledisloe Cup Champion: Gould was part of the Wallabies team that won the prestigious Bledisloe Cup in 1980.
- Grand Slam Tour of 1984: One of Gould’s most notable achievements was being part of the Wallabies team that achieved the Grand Slam during their 1984 tour of the United Kingdom, where they defeated all four home nations (England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales).
- 1987 Rugby World Cup: Gould represented Australia at the first-ever Rugby World Cup held in New Zealand. Unfortunately, he sustained an injury after playing in the match against England and missed the rest of the tournament. His absence marked his final game for the Wallabies, after which Andrew Leeds replaced him, and David Campese took over his fullback duties.
- Domestic Success: Gould also enjoyed domestic success, including winning the Queensland Premier Rugby title in 1977 and 1985, as well as the Australian Club Championship in 1986. During his time in Italy, he helped Petrarca Rugby win the Top 12 Championship in the 1983–84 season.