LATEST NEWS & UPDATES

1st Graders Jack Nelson-Murray, George Gibson and Nick Grigg wear the commemorative puple jersey. By Angus Hayman Don’t be shocked when the Beasties march out at 3:05pm this Saturday at Woollahra Oval sporting a new shade of purple. The Easts First Grade side will swap their familiar colours for a never-before-seen purple edition jersey when they take on Sydney Uni, with the special strips to be auctioned after the game in support of the Royal Breast Fund (RBF) at the Royal H

Mehe Vailanu, Matty Shields and Angus Bell By Angus Hayman This Saturday at Woollahra Oval, there will be more than just competition points on the line. Eastern Suburbs Rugby Club has partnered with What Ability to raise money for the What Ability Foundation, helping Australians living with disability experience the simple moments many take for granted. For What Ability founder Steve Dresler, the partnership is a natural fit. "We're all about fun," Dresler said. "It's really

By Angus Hayman There are still five rounds remaining in the Shute Shield season, but it would be hard to script a bigger regular season clash than the one awaiting this Saturday afternoon at Rat Park. First hosts second. Warringah against Easts. Both sides boast identical 11-1 records, separated only by a solitary bonus point, with the winner all but claiming outright top spot on the ladder. Throw in the fact it is a replay of last year's heartbreaking Grand Final, and the i

Ella Goldsmith This Saturday's inaugural W Round at Easts Rugby is about far more than the teams taking the field. It is a celebration of every part of the women's game, from players and coaches to volunteers, administrators and the match officials who help make our sport possible. Among those taking centre stage at Woollahra Oval will be two of Australia's leading female referees, Ella Goldsmith and Dr Rachel Horton, whose presence is a fitting reminder that the growth of wo

By Angus Hayman When Phoebe Loughhead runs onto Woollahra Oval this Saturday evening, she will achieve something no woman has before at Eastern Suburbs Rugby Club. The experienced halfback will play her 100th game in red, white and blue, becoming the first female player in the club's history to reach the century milestone. It is a remarkable achievement, not simply because of the number attached to it, but because of everything it represents: eight seasons of commitment, cou

By Angus Hayman Taleyah Hippi-Laurie This weekend's First Nations and Pasifika Day at Eastern Suburbs is about far more than rugby. It is a celebration of culture, community and the people who continue to shape the club's identity both on and off the field. For Eastern Suburbs Women's utility back Taleyah Hippi-Laurie, it is also deeply personal. When Easts run out in their special commemorative jersey against Southern Districts on Saturday evening, Taleyah will be wearing a

Armarni Bentley, Taleyah Hippi-Laurie, Billy Lloyd This weekend Eastern Suburbs Rugby Club proudly celebrates First Nations and Pasifika Day, recognising the cultures, communities and people who continue to shape our club both on and off the field. Eastern Suburbs is proud to have a strong and growing playing force of 43 First Nations and Pasifika players across our club. Their contribution reaches far beyond the teams they represent, helping shape the identity of Easts throu

By Angus Hayman For a lot of young rugby players coming through the pathway system, the easiest thing to do is follow the road already laid out in front of them. For Jonty Fowler, that road could easily have led straight to Sydney Uni alongside older brother Joey. Instead, the talented flyhalf chose Eastern Suburbs. And for the Narrabri product, it was never really about trying to avoid comparisons or make a statement. It was simply about finding a place that felt right. “I s

By Angus Hayman If you spend a Saturday afternoon at Woollahra Oval, one thing quickly stands out. Before the big moments, before the tries and the tackles, it is the kids. They are everywhere. Whether it’s another inflatable bouncy castle setup, copping a stray rugby ball while trying to watch the action, or seeing every inch of grass taken over at half-time, it’s impossible to ignore just how strong and vibrant the club’s junior presence is. The Junior Beasties, includin

Harry Wilson Scores Against Souths For professional athletes like Harry and Teddy Wilson, the clock is always ticking. While their earning potential on the field is high, the "useful life" of a sporting career is notoriously short, often 15 years or less. The smartest players don't just play for the next season; they play for the decades that follow. Recognising the need to turn today’s match fees into tomorrow’s financial independence, the Wilson brothers partnered with Reub

By Angus Hayman Gareth Morton’s rugby story is anything but conventional, and it is that unique pathway that continues to shape the way he coaches today. Born in Scotland before moving to England as a child, Morton grew up in Widnes, a town steeped in rugby league tradition. Like many kids in the area, he was drawn to the game early, inspired by watching top-level players in his local team. That passion quickly turned into opportunity. Morton signed with Leeds as a teenager a

On the eve of Anzac Day, moments of reflection often begin with familiar names, those etched into honour boards, woven into club folklore, and passed down through generations. At Easts, one such piece of history hangs quietly on the wall: the framed jersey of the Team of the Century. Many of the names are instantly recognisable; Gavin, Emanuel, Brial, Payne. But tucked into the front row is one that invites a second look: Tarakan Jack. Who was Tarakan Jack? His real name was

Wallabies star Herbert Jones passes to Clarence Wallach during a NSW Waratahs match against the All Blacks in 1914. Both were killed in World War I. Photo: Sydney Mail This year carries extra significance for Easts Rugby. For the first time in over a decade, we are proud to be hosting our own Anzac Day ceremony at home, bringing our community together to honour those who served. We are privileged to be joined by the Rose Bay RSL Sub-Branch and the NSW Correctional Services Ba

By Angus Hayman Brian “Billy” Melrose doesn’t hide from the truth of his situation. In fact, he leans into it. After two years helping reshape Eastern Suburbs’ rugby program, the highly respected coach has found himself in unfamiliar territory this season, no longer on the grass each week, no longer directly steering first grade, but instead working in a consultant-style role that, by his own admission, wasn’t part of the original plan. “It wasn’t my choice to stop coaching,”

At every rugby club, there’s the action you see and the effort you don’t. The tries, the tackles, the roar of the crowd. And then, just beyond the spotlight, there are the people who quietly make it all possible. At Easts, our volunteers are the unsung heroes of the club. They’re the first to arrive and the last to leave. No fanfare, no fuss. Just a quiet understanding that without them, game day simply wouldn’t happen. There’s volunteers like Bob, methodically filling water

Get your team together, our Winter Touch competition is back, and spots are limited! We have only 8 team slots available, so don’t miss out. How to enter: Organise your team and register using the link below Complete payment to secure your spot Team requirements: Squads of 12+ players Minimum 3 female players on the field at all times After the game: Head over to The Field Bar to enjoy exclusive food and drink deals with your teammates. 👉 Register your team here. Lock in yo

By Angus Hayman “It truly felt like the right spot for me at the time,” said Dan, and how right he was. From the moment he joined the Colts as a player in 2016, Dan felt like he had found a home at Easts. He arrived seeking growth as a player, but ultimately, Dan developed into a leader and mentor. “I quickly knew this was where I wanted to be,” he reflects. “And now, looking back, I can see how much it has shaped me, both on and off the field. I wouldn’t change a thing.” Dan

At Easts, the growth of our girls’ and women’s programs has been one of the most exciting developments in recent years. As more women pull on the Beasties jersey, we’re committed to ensuring they have the best possible support, not just on the field, but in the science, knowledge and systems that help them perform at their best. One of the most important areas that has historically been overlooked in sport is menstrual health. Research suggests that hormonal changes across th

By Angus Hayman When Campbell Aitken stepped away from Easts in 2022, there was a noticeable gap around the place. Not just in the coaching ranks but in energy, in presence, in the quiet authority he carries. He’s been part of the furniture at Easts since 2002. So, when he took a two-year hiatus, people felt it. It was only accepted around the club, as his excuse was that he was coaching the Women’s Waratahs side. But now he’s back in charge of the Women’s 1st XV, and there’s

The season is officially kicking off, and there’s no better way to start than our Annual Foundation Lunch! Join us on Friday, March 27 as we look ahead to the 2026 season, with insights from our Coaches, a first look at our new players, and plenty of anticipation as the afternoon rolls into evening. The action then moves on field as we take on Sydney Uni in an exciting evening of trial matches, giving everyone a taste of what’s to come this season. We’ll also be taking a look