Growing up in South Africa, Ash Miller was destined to have an engrained passion for the game of rugby.
Miller joined the Students ranks in 2012, coming in to assist as gear steward, before quickly being hooked on all things Sydney Uni.
It’s obvious when speaking to Ash how genuine his love of rugby is.
“I just love it mate,” he says.
“I just absolutely love it.”
Sydney University have won four Shute Shield premierships since Ash Miller joined in 2012, but for him, it’s the quiet moments that he finds more poignant.
“To be honest, one of the most special moments comes early on a Saturday,” he admits.
“The ground is set up, there are no crowds yet and I just stand back and think wow.
“Then halfway through First Grade I stand at the far side of the field. The picture is just beautiful.
“I’m always just thinking, how special is this.”
Ash also took great pride in the rise of Students prop, Tolu Latu, who represented Uni between 2013 and 2018.
Tolu earnt his Wallabies debut in 2016, a moment that Miller remembers fondly.
“Tolu was always the player that forgot something on a Saturday,” he said.
“Whether it was a sock, shorts, his boots – Tolu was always an item short.
“Eventually, I put a bag together that has his name written all over it.
“When Tolu made the Wallabies, he ran up to me at training and gave me the biggest hug I think I’ve ever been given.
“He told me he couldn’t have done it without me. That’s the most special moment of my career.”
For Miller, his unwavering dedication to the Students stems from a love of the community behind rugby.
It is evident when talking to him, his support of Sydney Uni rugby will be long-lasting.
“Helping people achieve their goals and dreams is what drives me,” he said.
“I wouldn’t do this job if I got paid, it’s all about my passion for the game and my admiration of the players.
“I’m always the first the arrive and the last to leave. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
