Jay Rich-Baghuelou Explained

Jay Noah Rich-Baghuelou (born 22 October 1999) is an Australian professional soccer player who plays as a defender for club Accrington Stanley.^[3]

Club career

He played for Gold Coast City in the National Premier Leagues Queensland before moving to Britain whilst still a teenager. Initially, he played as a striker but was converted into central defence whilst appearing for Dulwich Hamlet. He also turned out for Welling United before earning a trial and subsequent contract at Crystal Palace, after being scouted by Palace’s Shaun Derry.^[4] Whilst at Crystal Palace he has captained their under-23 team.^{[5] [6]}

On 14 January 2022, Rich-Baghuelou joined League One side Accrington Stanley for an undisclosed fee.^[7] In September 2023, he signed a new improved two-year deal with the club.^[8]

International career

In July 2021 Rich-Baghuelou was called up to the Australia national under-23 soccer team competing at the delayed 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo.^{[9] [10] [11]} Prior to that announcement he had started all three games the Olyroos played as Olympic warm up whilst in Spain in June 2021.^[12]

Rich-Baghuelou made his Olympic debut on 28 July 2021 against Egypt.^[13] He was part of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Olyroos squad. The team beat Argentina in their first group match but were unable to win another match. They were therefore not in medal contention.^[14]

Notes and References

1. Web site: EFL – Squad List 2021/22: Accrington Stanley – In Squad Players . English Football League . 2 . 8 February 2022.
2. Web site: SIGNING: Jay's a Red. Accrington Stanley F.C.. 14 January 2022. 14 January 2022.
3. Web site: Jay Rich-Baghuelou. Soccerway . 17 July 2021.
4. Web site: Aussie giant Jay has sky-high hopes at Crystal Palace . The World Game . 17 July 2021 . Dave Lewis.
5. Web site: Crystal Palace's Jay Rich-Baghuelou impresses ahead of Tokyo Olympics . ESPN . 15 July 2021 . 17 July 2021 . Joey Lynch.
6. Web site: Jay Rich-Baghuelou was never meant to sign for Crystal Palace's Under-23s - News.
7. Web site: Jay Rich-Baghuelou: Accrington Stanley sign Crystal Palace defender. BBC. 14 January 2022. 14 January 2022.
8. Web site: NEW CONTRACT: Jay signs an improved two-year deal. www.accringtonstanley.co.uk. 12 September 2023. 12 September 2023.
9. Web site: Tokyo Olympics Men's Soccer Preview – Group C (Spain, Argentina, Egypt, Australia) . NBC Olympics . 7 July 2021 . 17 July 2021 . Eric Goodman.
10. Web site: Football at Olympics Tokyo 2020: Which Premier League stars are heading to the Games? . SkySports . 15 July 2021 . 17 July 2021 . Ben Grounds.
11. Web site: Olyroos hoping to unearth hidden gems for Tokyo . Sydney Morning Herald . 11 May 2021 . 17 July 2021 . Dominic Bossi.
12. Web site: Australian Olympic Team for Tokyo Finalised.
13. Web site: Football RICH-BAGHUELOU Jay - Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
14. Web site: Australian Olympic Team for Tokyo 2021. 2022-02-22. The Roar. en-US.