It didn’t exactly start with a bang. For sure, losing to Warringah in his first game in charge wasn’t the way John Manenti wanted to announce himself as a Shute Shield head coach. But that Saturday afternoon back in July 2010 can now be heralded as a new dawn for Eastwood rugby club.

Today sees the end of an era in both Sydney University rugby, and Shute Shield rugby. When Uni’s 1st Grade take on Southern Districts for a spot in the following week’s Grand Final, Tim Davidson and Tom Carter may well be playing their very last game at the birthplace of Australian rugby – Uni Oval No.1.

Eastern Suburbs loose forward Phil Mathers reflects on his Italian rugby experience as he prepares for the finals with the Beasties