Brains, Belief and a Bit of Dancing: Meet the man behind the Strong Easts Rugby Women’s Program

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 a genuine buzz around the program again. Aitken doesn’t speak in grand declarations. But when asked about the goal this season, his answer is clear and deliberate.

“The goal for the season is to get back into the top division finals,” he says.

“I’m full of confidence. The form and momentum we built at the back end of last year is driving us this year.” There’s no dwelling on what he calls a “slightly down year.”

Instead, there’s a belief and a clear understanding of where the competition now sits.

“The competition is only getting stronger and stronger by the year,” he explains. “This year, for us, it’s all about brains and skill. We need to really outthink teams. You can’t just run them over anymore.”

That perspective comes from five years at the helm of the Waratahs Women’s side, sharpening his understanding of elite systems, preparation and standards.

But the biggest adjustment coming back to club land wasn’t tactical…….. it was cultural.

“At the professional level, everything is structured and performance-driven,” he reflects. “At club level, you can’t forget this is also a social outlet for the girls.” And then he laughs. “The first time I saw them dancing in the change rooms five minutes before running out to play, it was a shock to me. But now? I love it. It reflects their passion and energy for the game.”

It’s the balance from high skill to high enjoyment that defines the current Easts women’s environment. The rugby is serious. The connections are just as important.

When asked what he’d say to someone sitting on the fence about joining the program, Aitken doesn’t overcomplicate it.

“No obligations,” he says simply. “Just come and join training.”

 Then added, with quiet confidence: “We back ourselves as a group to convince anyone who comes down that they’ll never look back.” And the squad they’re building is far from static. 

Now, for budding Easts rugby fans wondering what’s new and brewing this year for the Women's side, Campbell gave us some insight: 

Marion Ridgeway arrives from England, having played with Sale Sharks Women, a back-row addition who Aitken believes will immediately raise the physical edge of the pack.

Ella Roberts has made the move from Norths, bringing with her experience in NSW Rugby Sevens and an engine that won’t quit.

As half back, recruit Kenzie Riccardi coming out of Sacred Heart University: promises raw pace and finishing power.

There’s genuine depth forming. And there’s a pathway. When the conversation turns to development beyond club level, Aitken is passionate. The East's logo, he points out, is regularly seen at the next level. Whether that be in the Sky Blue or the Green and Gold, the presence is massive.

For younger players, that visibility matters. “It’s almost a form of inspiration,” he says. “The pathway is clear at Easts.” Though he admits there’s some frustration around the current Super Rugby landscape, with talent sometimes having to look interstate for opportunity.

“There are girls here easily good enough at that level,” he says. “And sometimes they’re having to go to Brisbane or elsewhere. But that just shows the standard we’re producing.”

For Aitken, though, it always comes back to the here and now. Building a connected, intelligent team that plays with both precision and personality. Brains and skill. Finals football. And maybe a little dancing before kick-off.