7 May 2026
Northern Suburbs Rugby have announced the founding of a new Rugby Committee, primarily to help guide the development and improvement of their Rugby Program throughout the whole club.
The Committee is designed to oversee strategic rugby decisions, facilitate coaching pathways, and promote the growth of players and coaches while maintaining a unified vision for the entire program.
Under the leadership of inaugural Chairman Justin Sampson, the Rugby Committee will feature specific focuses: Tom Kellaway will head the Colts division, Patrick Nakkan will represent 3rd and 4th Grade, and Brad Leahy will oversee the expansion of the Sirens Women’s program.
Sampson brings a wealth of experience to the role, having captained Norths’ first grade from 1990 to 1993, as well as being a NSW Country representative in his playing career. He has coached both the Singapore and Indonesian national teams, as well as clubs in Japan and Australia. Fans might also recognise Sampson from his commentary and TV presenting for ESPN and ABC.
In a statement, Sampson said, “I’m delighted to be of service and part of a group with a lot of rugby experience, supporting players and coaches both on and off the field.”
The club also announced three consultants to the Committee to assist with coaching guidance and technical development. Wallaby and Waratahs legend Matt Dunning will be one of the consultants, continuing his involvement with the club’s coaching team.
Adam Ashley-Cooper and Cameron Shepherd, who both started in the Club’s Colts, were also named as consultants.
Ashley-Cooper has 121 Wallabies caps, the third-most games for any Australian player at the time of his retirement. He also won the Super Rugby title with the Waratahs in 2014 and was part of the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final team.
Shepherd has also represented Australia, as well as playing Super Rugby for the Waratahs and Western Force. More recently, he has been a presenter and commentator on Stan Sport.
For decades, Norths has been one of the premier Rugby Clubs in the nation for talent development and on-field success. Now, with the newly established Rugby Committee, the club looks set to continue to improve its structures.