Following an extensive review at the conclusion of the 2025 season, Rugby Victoria identified the need for change. The solution? A streamlined, senior competition structure that puts rugby front and centre.

Moving towards divisional rugby

This year will be a transitional season with the aim to have divisional rugby in place by 2028.

In 2026, the Rugby Victoria Championship will be introduced, followed by a split into a two-division model, headlined by the Dewar Shield and Ward Shield. In addition Premier 3rd Grade, Conference, Lindroth and Bolton Cup competitions will also be fixtured.

The opening phase of the competition will feature ten Clubs. Brimbank will join Melbourne, Power House, Harlequins, Footscray, Endeavour Hills, Moorabbin, Box Hill, Melbourne University and Kiwi Hawthorn. All Clubs will battle it out in 1st and 2nd Grade, with the overall winner after nine rounds awarded the Rugby Victoria Championship.

Following this the competition will split into two divisions with five Clubs in each division. The top five Clubs will play for the Dewar Shield and the bottom five Clubs will play for the Ward Shield. A combination of First and Second Grade points will determine ladder positions.

Once Dewar Shield and Ward Shield Clubs are locked in, teams will contest another four rounds Home-and-Away. Followed by a four-week Finals Series, ensuring every match matters deep into the winter rugby season.

Premier 3rd Grade will be introduced in 2026 with six Clubs battling it out for the cup. Most matches will be aligned with our Men‘s 1st and 2nd XV teams.

A blockbuster start to 2026

The 2026 senior season kicks off on Saturday April 11, with Melbourne launching their campaign at home against Endeavour Hills. Followed by a home fixture against Box Hill, before away trips to Brimbank and Footscray.

Key President’s Club Dates

April 18 – Melbourne v Box Hill
May 16 – Melbourne v Power House
July 4 – Melbourne v Harlequins (TBA)

Building momentum on and off the field

Preparation is already well underway and recruitment has been strong across the Club.

Preseason training is on-going at Gardiner Park with good numbers in all grades. Strength and explosive power sessions have been added at Sweatshop Gym as the squad gears up for a demanding campaign. Training sessions move back to Orrong Romanis Reserve on Tuesday 31 March, 2026.

There’s also plenty of optimism around the Women’s program, which continues to grow. While the Colts squad will benefit from a strong influx of returning junior players transitioning into senior rugby.

In late March, the Club will hit the road for a preseason tour to Canberra (Ngunnawal), taking on the Wests Lions. An ideal test ahead of what promises to be an exciting and renewed rugby season.

With a new structure and renewed energy across all levels, senior rugby in Victoria is ready to make 2026 one to remember.

2026 Memberships are now open
Players and Social Members can register through the Rugby Xplorer App » Join Now!

2026 President’s Club Memberships are now open
Membership includes 3 Lunches on the sideline at Orrong Park, » Join Now

The post VICTORIAN RUGBY RESETS FOR 2026 appeared first on Melbourne Rugby.

Iezzi now enters her third consecutive year at the helm – a period that has brought stability and a clear long-term focus off the field.

Iezzi, who has become a steadying influence during this exciting era for the Club, said the reappointment was both an honour and a responsibility she doesn’t take lightly.

“I’m exceptionally proud of everyone’s efforts this year. While we know we can do better, we have been playing some brilliant football. We’ve punched above our weight and have been there for each other, week in, week out,” Iezzi said.

“We all make this Club what it is and the efforts, time and passion of our wonderful coaches, team managers, medics, amazing committee, BBQ crew and volunteers should be applauded. Thank you all.”

A refreshed committee ready to drive the Club forward
The AGM also confirmed a revitalised committee of management, blending continuity with new energy.

President: Michelle Iezzi

Vice President: Rodney ‘Fred’ Morland

Secretary: Robert Maher

Assistant Treasurer: Kohei Hara

General Committee (returning): Stavros ‘Yakka’ Iakovidis, Anthony Iezzi

General Committee (new): Jodie Hollis, Robbie Mackay

The new team strengthens the Club’s governance and reinforces its ambition heading into the new season. Morland’s elevation to Vice President adds further leadership depth, while Hollis and Mackay bring fresh perspectives during a period of increased community engagement.

Iezzi also acknowledged those who continue to support the Club’s off-field initiatives.

“Thank you also to our sponsors, our President’s Club members and our supporters – we simply couldn’t do it without you.”

A season of highlights and one unforgettable Lions week
Despite the inevitable challenges across a long season, 2025 delivered memorable moments for Melbourne Rugby Club, none bigger than the Gullivers British & Irish Lions event during the mid-year tour window.

“We’ve had some very cool and fun events over the season – including the massive Gullivers British & Irish Lions event. It was a huge day for the Club – a once-in-12-years opportunity,” Iezzi said.

“During that week we also hosted the CEO of the Lions Ben Calveley, as well as Rob Shotton from Looseheads, David Campese and Tommy Bowe – all on one night.”

The week showcased not only the Club’s organisational strength, but its growing profile within the global rugby community.

Building towards 2026
With leadership locked in and a committee ready to roll up its sleeves, Melbourne Rugby Club now shifts its focus to pre-season training for senior players, junior development pathways and strengthening its connection with Rugby Victoria.

If Iezzi’s third term brings the same stability and energy as her first two, the Club will be well-placed to convert its off-field momentum into more on-field success.

The post CLUB RE-ELECTS PRESIDENT FOR THIRD TERM appeared first on Melbourne Rugby.

Event: MRUFC AGM 2025
Venue: Toorak Bowling Club, 9 Mandeville Crescent, Toorak
Date: Wednesday 12 November, 2025
Time: Bar open from 6:30 pm for meeting to start 7:00 pm (sharp)

RSVP: Essential please contact the Club’s Secretary by Email » click here

Votes at the AGM may only be exercised by paid up Members or their proxy.

MELBOURNE RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB INC 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Agenda
1. Apologies
2. Matters arising from minutes of previous AGM
3. Confirmation of Minutes of previous AGM
4. Correspondence
5. Receive and adopt the Interim Annual Report for 2025
6. Receive and adopt the Treasurer’s Report for 2025
7. Election of the following officers for 2026:
– Patron
– President
– Honorary Secretary
– Honorary Assistant Secretary
– Honorary Treasurer
– Honorary Assistant Treasurer
– Four General Members of the Committee

8. Other Business

By order of the Management Committee

Notes
1. Nominations for officers and members of the Management Committee must be in writing and lodged with the Secretary at least three (3) days prior to the AGM. A nomination form is below. Nominations must be signed by a proposer and seconder and endorsed with the nominee’s consent.

2. Notice of any other business for consideration at the AGM must be given to the Secretary at least 14 days prior to the AGM. Such notice must state the business proposed and be signed by a proposer and seconder.

3. Votes at the AGM may only be exercised by financial members. Members may appoint proxies to vote on their behalf. The appointment of a proxy must be in the form below and must be properly completed and delivered to the Secretary at least 48 hours prior to the AGM.

Downloads:

 Nomination for Office Holder

 Form of Appointment of Proxy

Proudly supported by:

The post NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2025 appeared first on Melbourne Rugby.

My full circle moment

Article by Cerys Liley

Melbourne Unicorns Rugby Club got me back into union after years of playing touch. I was the only girl training and playing with the Unicorn’s U14s boys back in 2021 during a testing COVID year.

There was no girls’ pathway in Victoria for me between the ages of 12 and 17. Girls could be dispensated to play with the boys until U16s but a dedicated pathway, specifically to nurture talented girls in rugby union, was yet to be developed.

The Melbourne Unicorns Boys included me as part of their team, regardless of my gender, and the feeling of acceptance and belonging meant the world to me. I was treated with respect and as an equal.

The Unicorns supported and encouraged me to keep playing and not give up, even when others said ‘Girls shouldn’t play rugby’. The sense of inclusion and belonging pushed me to pursue the game beyond Victoria, and I’ve never looked back.

The Melbourne Unicorns Women’s team have combined with my Melbourne University Women’s team for the 2025 Victorian Rugby Union season.

This week, four years after my Unicorns debut with the boys and just after my 18th birthday, I had the honour of wearing the Melbourne Unicorns jersey again. And being made captain of the combined Melbourne University / Melbourne Unicorns Women’s team for Rugby Vic’s Pride Round.

I’m so proud to have led a team of strong inspirational women and show every girl watching from the sidelines that rugby is a game for girls too.

Rugby is built on the values of integrity, passion, solidarity, discipline, and respect – and Pride Round is a reminder to live those values every day – especially when it comes to making inclusive space for others.

The simple act of wearing rainbow socks or running onto a field painted with a rainbow flag can spark important conversations and foster a sense of belonging that ripple across our sporting community.

I’m grateful to be part of a club and a sport that recognises the importance of visibility and inclusion – not just for one round, but all year long.

To every girl out there: if you love the game, don’t wait for permission. You belong here.

To follow Cerys Liley’s journey visit her website: cerys.rugby

Article first published on LinkedIn and reproduced with permission.

The post PLAYER WATCH: CERYS LILEY appeared first on Melbourne Rugby.

The Club has appointed Conrad Foord as its new Head Coach for season 2025, a move that promises to bring ambition, structure and a winning mentality to the side.

Foord, a rugby coach with experience in both Assistant and Head Coach roles, has a proven track record of developing teams and guiding them towards success. Foord believes that a relentless work ethic is the foundation to success. “I’m committed to working tirelessly to give the players the best chance at success”, he says, underscoring his dedication to helping the Club reach its full potential while instilling the same ‘work rate’ mentality within the squad.

A winning mentality, focused on the Dewar Shield
The primary goal for the Club under Foord’s leadership is to compete at the highest level – that means making a serious run at the Dewar Shield – Victoria’s premier rugby competition. Foord is determined to shape a team that plays with purpose, and most importantly, with the desire to win the championship.

“Our aim is to do everything in our power to win the Dewar Shield,” Foord declares. We want to build a squad that’s not only competitive, but one that believes it can win when it matters most.”

Foord’s approach to coaching is methodical and goal oriented. “I take pride in my ability to communicate effectively, build team morale and create opportunities for players to develop,” he explains. For Foord, every training session is an opportunity to get better, and this work ethic will be key as the team sets its sights on the Dewar Shield.

Leadership built for pressure
One of Foord’s core strengths is his ability to maintain composure under pressure – something that will be invaluable as the Unicorns seek to challenge the top teams in the competition. “I’m goal-oriented and results-driven,” says Foord. “But I also know that staying level-headed during crucial moments can make all the difference. It’s about getting the best out of the team when the stakes are highest.”

Foord’s leadership style centres on fostering unity, positivity and meticulous strategic preparation. He emphasises that “Success comes from teamwork and clear communication, with every coach, player and management staff working towards a shared goal.” This underscores the importance of cohesion and mental resilience, especially in high-pressure moments.

With the Dewar Shield race set to be highly competitive, Foord’s ability to keep the team focused on their ultimate goal will be invaluable as Melbourne strives for the title.

Structured for success
Off the field, Foord is known for his meticulous organisational skills, ensuring that the administrative side of the Club is just as tight as the rugby squad. From game planning to player development, Foord has a clear strategy for improvement, rooted in detailed analysis and structured coaching.

“I’m committed to building on what I’ve already achieved, and I want to help this team reach its full potential,” he says.

With a well-rounded coaching approach, Foord will not only look to maximise each player’s individual growth but will also create a cohesive, disciplined team that thrives under pressure.

A new era of possibility
Under Foord’s leadership, Melbourne is ready to step up and take on the challenge of the Dewar Shield. Supporters can expect a team that plays with intensity, ambition and a clear focus on becoming the best in Victoria.

Foord’s ambition matches the Clubs “I’m confident that we can achieve success together,” he says. And with his combination of tactical insight, leadership, and a results-driven mentality, the dream of Dewar Shield glory is on the way to becoming a reality.

Round 1 of the Dewar Shield kicks-off on Saturday 12 April, 2025.

Conrad Foord, Head Coach (CV)

Coach Education
2024 IRANZ High Performance Coaching Certificate
2023 IRANZ Advance Coaching Certificate
2019 World Rugby Level 2 Coaching (Blue Bulls Rugby Union)
2017 World Rugby Strength and Conditioning Level 1 (Blue Bulls Rugby Union)
2015 World Rugby Level 1 Coaching (Blue Bulls Rugby Union)

Coaching Experience (recent)
Melbourne Rugby Club (2023 – Current)
1st Grade Defence & Backs Coach (2024)
2nd Grade Head Coach (2023)
1st Grade Assistant Coach (2023)

Victoria Schools’ Rugby Union (2023 – Current)
U18 Boys Attack & Backline Coach

Trinity Grammar School (2024 – Current)
Technical Director of Rugby

The post FOORD ON THE ROAD TO VICTORY WITH MELBOURNE appeared first on Melbourne Rugby.

Try Rugby Union

EVENT: FREE Junior Rugby Clinic & BBQ
DATE: Sunday 16th March, 2025
TIME: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
WHERE: Orrong Romanis Reserve, Abeckett Street Field, Prahran
BRING: Sunscreen, hat and runners (strictly no boots)

U5 – U12 boys and girls. No obligation, all welcome.

WHAT TO EXPECT
Learn the basics of Rugby Union including:
Fun team games
Basic passing & catching
Correct tackle technique
Non-contact rugby games

Registration and winter season information available on the day.

COST
$Free

Junior Player Enquiries » click here

The post JUNIOR TRY RUGBY DAY 2025 appeared first on Melbourne Rugby.

Event: MRUFC AGM 2024
Venue: Toorak Bowling Club, 9 Mandeville Crescent, Toorak
Date: Thursday 28 November, 2024
Time: Bar open from 6:30 pm for meeting to start 7:00 pm (sharp)

RSVP: Essential please contact the Club’s Secretary by Email » click here

Votes at the AGM may only be exercised by paid up Members or their proxy.

MELBOURNE RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB INC 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Agenda
1. Apologies
2. Matters arising from minutes of previous AGM
3. Confirmation of Minutes of previous AGM
4. Correspondence
5. Receive and adopt the Interim Annual Report for 2024
6. Receive and adopt the Treasurer’s Report for 2024
7. Election of the following officers for 2025:
– Patron
– President
– Honorary Secretary
– Honorary Assistant Secretary
– Honorary Treasurer
– Honorary Assistant Treasurer
– Four General Members of the Committee

8. Other Business

By order of the Management Committee

Notes
1. Nominations for officers and members of the Management Committee must be in writing and lodged with the Secretary at least three (3) days prior to the AGM. A nomination form is below. Nominations must be signed by a proposer and seconder and endorsed with the nominee’s consent.

2. Notice of any other business for consideration at the AGM must be given to the Secretary at least 14 days prior to the AGM. Such notice must state the business proposed and be signed by a proposer and seconder.

3. Votes at the AGM may only be exercised by financial members. Members may appoint proxies to vote on their behalf. The appointment of a proxy must be in the form below and must be properly completed and delivered to the Secretary at least 48 hours prior to the AGM.

Downloads:

 Nomination for Office Holder

 Form of Appointment of Proxy

Proudly supported by:

The post NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2024 appeared first on Melbourne Rugby.

Try Rugby Union

EVENT: FREE Junior Rugby Clinic & BBQ
DATE: Sunday 25th February, 2024
TIME: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
WHERE: Orrong Romanis Reserve, Abeckett Street Field, Prahran
BRING: Sunscreen, hat and runners (strictly no boots)

U6 – U12 boys and girls. And Youth Girls for U15 and U18 tackle. No obligation, all welcome.

Registration and winter season information available on the day.

Junior Player Enquiries » click here

The post JUNIOR TRY RUGBY DAY 2024 appeared first on Melbourne Rugby.

Storey joined Melbourne Rugby Club in 1965 playing 13 x 1st grade games and scoring 40 points.

Storey was a clever, talented and much-travelled fly half whose international career was impacted by injury and the emergence of the great Phil Hawthorne.

Born in Sydney, Storey was educated at The Scots College, where he played three seasons in the 1st XV and went on to become a commercial airline pilot for TAA. He played his club rugby with Eastern Suburbs and in 1955 made his First Grade debut at just 18 years of age.

Two years later Storey made a rather extraordinary senior representative debut when picked for South Australia against New South Wales Country in the trials ahead of the fourth Wallabies tour to Britain.

Originally named as a reserve for one of the two city sides, Storey along with University halfback Jim Harris, Randwick hooker Paul Johnson and University prop Terry Bolin were permitted to turn out for South Australia because of the Asian flu casualties in that side.

In 1958, Storey made his debut for New South Wales against the 1957/58 Wallabies at North Sydney Oval, but subsequently tore his Achilles in a club game which kept him out of the game for a considerable period of time. 

Once recovered, Storey resumed his career at Easts and was shifted into the forwards before dual All Black / Wallaby (#290) Ted Jessep returned him to fly half. It proved to be a coaching masterstroke.

In 1962, Storey was selected as the starting fly half for New South Wales to play the All Blacks. New South Wales pulled off a stunning 12-11 upset and Storey was rewarded with a Test debut in Brisbane. 

The Wallabies lost the match 6-20 and although Peter Johnson later said that Storey was “arguably Australia’s best player” he was one of six changes made for the second Test. The decision not to select Storey for that match always puzzled his halves partner Ken Catchpole, who of all people was the best qualified to judge a fly half. 

He said: “It was a mystery. He absolutely annihilated his opponent and was dropped.” Hawthorne debuted soon thereafter and made the fly half position his own until 1967.

Storey left for Perth and in 1963 was selected for a Western Australia XV against the 1963 Wallabies on their way to South Africa. Amazingly he was capped for a fourth state when chosen to start for Victoria against the Springboks in 1965. Storey came back to Sydney, played half a season at Easts but broke his back and retired.

Norm Storey played one Test for Australia and will forever be Wallaby #474.

Featured Image: MRUFC Premiers 1965

(Back) Jim Douglas*, Dick Webb*, Joel Sweetland, Bob Kingman, Dave Jeffcott, Murray Little, Ian Stevenson, Hans (Dutch) Lomans

(Middle) Brian Diamond, John Prytherch, Paul Gibbs*, Barry Keon, Jack Clark, Norm Storey*, Peter Bedggood

(Front) Danny Kay*, John Strong, Don Campbell, Ian Kelly

* Denotes Wallaby International players

First published by Classic Wallabies

The post VALE NORM STOREY, WALLABY #474 appeared first on Melbourne Rugby.

“We have put together a very experienced coaching team for the 2024 season. We are looking to deliver a program that will set a standard that will challenge any side that we play next year.” Greg Coward, Head Coach.

2024 Senior Rugby Coaching Team:

The post COACHING TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT FOR RUGBY SEASON 2024 appeared first on Melbourne Rugby.