Alumni Spotlight: Joe Roff (2006, PPE)
HMC alumnus Joe Roff (2006, PPE)
Former Australian Wallaby rugby player and Rugby World Cup champion Joe Roff (2006, PPE), was considered one of the sport's top wingers and was selected as one of the "Immortals of Australian Rugby Union". He lived and played professionally in Japan and France before applying to HMC where he also captained Oxford against Cambridge in the 2007 Varsity match. Below, he tells us what he is doing now and reflects on his time at the College.
What are you doing now?
I am currently serving as CEO of a large medical foundation in Australia, having primarily stayed in the Not-for-Profit and tertiary sector since my wonderful years reading at HMC. I am grateful for everything rugby gave me as an athlete and so continue to contribute, having just completed tenure as President of Australian Rugby and now as Chair of the ACT Brumbies. With 5 children spanning 15 years it feels like there is enough on my plate, for now.
What are your best memories of HMC?
The simplicity and inspiration of cycling through town on a rickety bike to College with a backpack full of books never dulled. What a time of life when you spend your days in quiet reading time in the library, or on the lawn, with a break for a panini on the corner most days. I learned to love sparring in debate with Dr Bill Mander and Dr Lesley Smith in our one on one tutorials, always seeing how far into the tutorial I could debate before they inevitably left me with no words left to say – such a wonderful and unique education.
How did HMC shape you?
My time at Oxford was an investment that is paying itself back every day. The further I am removed from being a student the more I realise it was not so much the content but rather how the experience shaped a different view of the world. The lifelong friends I made there have given me perspective on how diversity makes the world smaller and more connected. You leave the dreaming spires with a confidence and knowledge that whilst others might stereotype you (e.g. as a rugby player) you only limit yourself if you allow that labelling to hold you back.
What advice would you give to current students?
Make the most of every opportunity to experience every part of Oxford. I have played in every major rugby stadium in the world to full crowds but learned more about myself when I rowed very poorly for HMC in the summer bumps. Chase the new experiences not as a means to an Instagram post but for the value of the experience itself. They will stay with you for a lifetime and may they give you the virtue of being grateful. As am I.
