Billy Melrose to Leave Easts Rugby

After three successful years at Easts, Billy Melrose is moving on to pursue an exciting new opportunity.

While we can’t announce his next role just yet, we are incredibly excited for Billy and can’t wait to see what he achieves next.

From everyone at Easts, thank you, Billy, for your outstanding service and dedication to the club. You will always be part of the Beasties family.

Please see a note from Billy below.

It’s with a touch of sadness that I announce that I’ll be moving on from Easts for the 2027 season.

When I came to Easts in 2024, it was with high hopes of rapid improvement. To have played a part in the success of the past three years, however, has been well beyond my expectations.

Breaking the 55-year Shute Shield drought in 2024 — and seeing the looks on the faces of the “Beasties” fans — is something I’ll never forget.

To Josh Bokser, as a leader, and to all the players who helped turn the fortunes of 1st Grade around — you will always have my respect. Love you blokes.

And to the lower grades and Colts, who have been such an important part of a club that has dominated the Club Championship over the past three years and made the clubhouse one of the most vibrant places to be in Sydney club rugby — thank you.

There are so many people to thank, so many new friends made and so many relationships that I’ll value forever.

The Easts Families . 

The Tate family is such a huge part of the Easts story.

Jim, as Patron; Michael, as VP of Rugby and 4s/3s coach; and Peter, coaching and managing the sidelines — you are continuing what your father did before you.

I’ll never forget my nervous first meeting with Michael — the “job interview” opposite the Clovelly Hotel, talking footy for an hour and then waiting for the thumbs-up from the Board.

Thanks, Tatey. I guess I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to enjoy these three years without your support and friendship.

The Brenac family are another iconic part of the club. 

I had the fortune to coach Ed and coach alongside him, while daughter Justine Nicholls and her sons continue the legacy of the late Kate  Brenac who was one of the greats.

To the Board, you have done an outstanding job building the club, both on and off the field, to a level that is now admired by clubs across Sydney.

Our General Managers, Dominic and Fleur, have also made a significant contribution to the progression and fortunes of the club along with the VP of rugby Elliott Frawley. Thank you . 

A special mention to board member Patrick Ryan and his wife Caroline for your support and friendship to both Deb and me. We’ll certainly miss those post-match chats on the balcony.

In fact, I’ll miss so many things.

The pre-game banter on the balcony.
The “Central commentary team” of Tony Lewis and Hamish McCathie. 
Bez and the boys down on the hill cheering the team home.
And, of course, the dressing-room song!

I’ll miss the clubhouse vibe generally and all the people who make it what it is — especially my old mate Michael Doyle, one of the great Easts men, along with Peter Shipway and so many others.

There are too many coaches and managers to mention individually, but you have all done an outstanding job throughout the grades and Colts.

You have to love the managers — some of the most giving people in rugby.

A special mention to Ollie Sumskey, Ian Cohen and Bob Hooper for your dedication to the club and the top squads, and for your friendship along the way. You’re champion blokes.

Likewise, to the physios, Georgie and Ross — you do a great job, and more importantly, you’re great people.

To Ben Batger, Jed Gillespie and, this year, Dan England, thank you for the opportunity to work with and alongside you. The consistency and achievements of the program are a real credit to your work.

And to our S&C coach, Dan Mowen — thank you for your contribution and commitment.

You can’t succeed without great leadership, so finally, I want to say a special thank you to our President, Dave Allen.

From the first time we spoke, your conviction to “want to win it all” and your overall vision for the club were obvious.

I’ll always think of you as one of the great club presidents.

Great job, Dave, and I’m sure there will be plenty more success in the future with the foundations and culture that have now been established.

At the end of the day, all you’re left with are your memories — and my memories of these past few years are very special.

While it’s a little sad to be moving on, I can honestly say that my memories of Easts are brilliant.

Thank you again to everyone who played a part in my time at the club, for everything you added to the experience, and most importantly, for having me.

It’s been a privilege.

Kind regards,
Billy