Wearing Our Stories: The Meaning Behind Easts’ First Nations and Pasifika Jersey

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 through leadership, connection, culture and a deep sense of community that continues to strengthen our club

To mark the occasion, 1st Grade and Women's XV will wear a special commemorative jersey that tells a powerful story of identity, connection and belonging.

Edwin Langi and Jack Tougher-Wells

The jersey was designed through a collaboration between former Easts player and Waratah Cody Walker and Māori artist MJC Ta Moko, working closely with our players to ensure the design genuinely reflected the people and cultures it represents.

Cody Walker playing 1st Grade against Norths in 2019

For the First Nations side of the design, Cody drew inspiration from the significance of totems – spiritual symbols that connect individuals to their Nation, clan and family. Passed down through generations, they represent identity, responsibility and belonging.

The animal symbols within the artwork recognise the women currently playing at Eastern Suburbs and their connection to culture, while the flowing elements represent the journey of our people and past Indigenous players moving together, supporting one another and remaining connected to culture and community.

The overall design brings together themes of family, welcome and shared experience, reflecting the journey of people coming together at Easts – a place of gathering, belonging and unity.

For Cody, that message is deeply personal.

“Eastern Suburbs will always be home to me.”

Seraphina Brown

The Pasifika design elements draw on traditional Māori patterns and represent the values that define our rugby club. Central elements symbolise leadership, strength and guidance, reflecting the role we all play in supporting and inspiring one another both on and off the field.

Flowing lines throughout the design represent speed, agility and the physical demands of rugby while also acknowledging growth and progression. Surrounding forms symbolise community and connection – wrapping around individuals to uplift and support them, just as our club does.

The inclusion of kaitiaki, or guardians, represents protection and guidance and serves as a reminder of the importance of caring for one another through both good times and challenging moments.

Together, the jersey tells a story much larger than a game of rugby. It is a story of family, resilience, culture and collective strength.

This weekend, as Easts takes the field, our players will wear more than a jersey. They will wear the stories, histories and communities that continue to make this club stronger.

First Nations and Pasifika Day is on the 13th June vs Souths. Tickets available here.