OUR PEOPLE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS​
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David Allen
PRESIDENT
David was appointed to the board at the 2019 AGM and appointed President at the 2021 AGM. He started his rugby at Bays then came through the Wallaroos, Colts, and then Easts 1st Grade in 1999-2001. David then played professionally for Ulster in Ireland. In 2017 he returned to Sydney and coached the Easts Colts in 2017 and 2018. Professionally David worked for JP Morgan in London between 2002 and 2017, becoming Managing Director and Head of Research in 2009. He is currently the Head of Long/Short Strategies at Plato Investment Management in Sydney. He holds a PhD from Cambridge University in Quantitative Finance.
Michael Tate
VP OF RUGBY
Michael’s connection to Easts Rugby was not an option but a necessity. The son of former legendary Beastie and Wallaby, Murray Tate, Michael started as a ball-boy back in 1975 while his Dad coached Easts 1st Grade. Michael went on to play over 200 games for the Club through the 80’s and 90’s culminating in the role of Club Captain. After his playing days Michael coached Easts Reserve Grade to a Premiership in 1997 (known as “The Shutout”) and later returned to coach another Premiership win in Colts 2’s in 2019. In his business career, Michael founded the Storage King brand and still remains its CEO today.
Angus Esslemont
VP OF SPONSORSHIP
Angus Esslemont was appointed to the board in 2021 after playing rugby at Easts from 2002 to 2008. He was a member of the 1st Grade Grand Finalists Team in 2007 and won a Colts 2nd XV premiership in 2002. Scott Bowen, Angus’ favourite rugby coach and his rugby mentor was a big influence on his rugby career, and a driver of his enduring passion for the Club.
Angus is currently the Head of Equites at Ord Minnett in Sydney after 5 years at Goldman Sachs. After being away from the club for several years, Angus has loved being back involved with Easts. He really enjoys the growing community engagement of the broader Club, and of course chasing some long overdue Rugby success. Angus is the VP of Sponsorship on the board and works closely our CEO Dom and other members of the Easts community. Feel free to reach out to him directly to discuss any partnerships opportunities. Some people have likened him to Ted Lasso.
Alex King
DIRECTOR
Alex is a former Club Captain, who played over 100 grade games with Easts. He is a digital native and specialises in acquisition strategies, digital marketing and membership.
Toby Duncan
COMPANY SECRETARY
Toby is a former Beastie's player and currently works as Head of Team Contracting at Rugby Australia.
Mike Wright
TREASURER
Mike played for Easts in the early 1990's after moving to Australia from the UK. He is currently Managing Partner Asia Pacific Assurance for Ernst and Young. This is Mike's second stint on the Board.
STAFF​
Dominic Remond
CEO
Dom is the former General Manager of the Sydney Sixers, CEO Gfinity Esports Australia, and brings a wealth of experience to the club. He has held senior executive positions in the sports and entertainment industries for over 20 years and was a founding member of the Male Champions of Change Sport. Importantly, he has a deep connection and passion for the Beasties, starting with Bays U6 and playing over 100 games with the senior club.
Ben Batger
HEAD COACH
Ben is a highly experienced and talented coach, having been in charge of Eastwood 1st Grade for the last 5 years. In this time, Ben has guided his team to the Semi Finals in each season and to the Grand Final in 2020. Ben has also previously helped coached the Barker 1st XV to the CAS premiership in 2013 and 2014 as well as coaching overseas in the United States, winning a competition there.
Ben had a long and successful playing career with Eastwood, playing Super Rugby for both the Brumbies and Waratahs as well as overseas stints in New Zealand and Italy. His passion, enthusiasm and focus on success have been key factors in his transformation to coaching.
Dan England
HEAD COACH - COLTS
Dan has a long and proud history at Easts for a young coach. He is a former 1st Grade player who, through early retirement from injury, has focused on coaching and rugby program execution. He has been 2nd Grade Colts coach for the last 2 seasons, Assistant Coach for the NSW and AON Uni 7s since 2019 and Core Rugby Coach at Scots College for the last 5 years.
James Behringer
CLUB CAPTAIN
Bez is a long-term player and leader of the Club, winning Premierships with 2nd Grade in 2018 and 3rd Grade in 2022. He also made his 1st Grade debut in 2022, before spending a season playing in Europe. Bez is former student of St. Joseph's College and is currently Sydney Operations Director for Nomad Built. We wish him all the success for 2024.
On behalf of the Board, we also thank Will Foxton for his invaluable contribution to the role for the last 2 seasons. This is a volunteer role and Will committed many hours assisting the Club, in addition to training and playing.