Committee Members

Rod Eade - Australian Army

Rod Eade serves as President of the Spartans, bringing unparalleled leadership and a lifelong commitment to the game of rugby and the veteran community. A proud Australian Army veteran, Rod has been instrumental in establishing and supporting multiple veteran rugby teams while helping to shape the landscape of Defence-related rugby in Australia. His strong ties with the Brumbies have further strengthened pathways for veterans within the sport, while his extensive involvement in referee circles has earned him deep respect for his knowledge, fairness, and dedication to the game’s integrity. Rod’s drive, experience, and passion for service continue to guide the Spartans forward as a club built on purpose, community, and opportunity for all veterans

Mick Lawrence - Australian & British Army

Mick Lawrence brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the role of Vice President, shaped by his service in both the British Army and later the Australian Army. With deep rugby roots, Mick has been involved in the game at every level—playing and coaching across the UK, Europe, the United States, Canada, and Australia in both military and civilian competitions. His passion for rugby is matched only by his dedication to charity work and veteran support, where he has long been driven by a genuine commitment to help others. Mick’s determination, humility, and global rugby experience make him a powerful advocate for the Spartans and the veteran community, continually striving to give back to those who have served

Greg Marshall-Smith - British Army

Greg Marshall-Smith serves as the Spartans Treasurer, bringing precision, professionalism, and a deep passion for rugby to the club’s leadership team. Australian-born and a veteran of the British Army, Greg has long supported the sport, even with limited playing time, contributing instead through his exceptional organisational and administrative skill sets. His career has seen him oversee financial management for several key organisations and clubs, earning a reputation for reliability, transparency, and meticulous attention to detail. Greg’s military background and financial expertise make him perfectly suited to managing the Spartans’ financial operations, ensuring the club remains stable, accountable, and positioned for sustainable growth

Gav Wilson - Australian & British Army

Gavin Wilson serves as the Spartans Secretary, bringing dedication, organisation, and a deep love of rugby to the club’s administration. A veteran of both the British and Australian Army, Gavin’s time on the field was limited, but his passion for the sport is second to none. The military skill sets he brings—discipline, attention to detail, and methodical planning—ensure that the Spartans run seamlessly from an administrative perspective. Gavin’s commitment behind the scenes is invaluable, keeping the club organised, efficient, and ready to deliver on every event and initiative

Gus O'Neil - Australian Army

Gus O’Neil steps into the role of Director of Rugby with an exceptional blend of playing pedigree, coaching expertise, and Defence-grown leadership. An Australian Army veteran, Gus has competed at all levels of the game and has coached at the highest tiers within Defence rugby, earning admiration for both his technical knowledge and his calm, authoritative approach. Now a veteran, he continues to contribute to the development of the sport through his work with the Queensland Rugby Union, shaping future coaches and players alike. His military background brings a wealth of organisational skill and structure to every coaching environment, complemented by his extensive on-field experience. Gus will lead the Spartans’ rugby programme, driving the club’s mission to support veterans as they transition from Defence to civilian life through meaningful rugby coaching opportunities

Danny McNeish - Australian Army

Danny McNeish steps into the role of National Manager with a reputation built on excellence, discipline, and unwavering dedication to the rugby and veteran communities. A proud Australian Army member, Danny has played rugby across both Defence and civilian arenas, earning respect for his toughness, reliability, and genuine passion for the sport. His organisational skillset and eye for perfection ensure that when the Spartans step onto the field, they are 100% prepared—no exceptions. Highly regarded within the Defence rugby family, Danny’s no-nonsense attitude, fierce loyalty, and commitment to both the team and its players make him an invaluable leader behind the scenes. His standards drive the Spartans forward, ensuring professionalism, cohesion, and readiness at every event

Tim Arnold - Australian Army

Tim Arnold serves as the Club Captain of the Spartans, embodying the true spirit of leadership, commitment, and inclusivity within the game. An Australian Army veteran, Tim has played rugby across both Defence and civilian competitions, earning respect everywhere he goes. A genuine clubman through and through, he has been instrumental in driving rugby within the Australian Army, ensuring it remains a sport for everyone—not just the selected few. Known for never missing a game or event, Tim leads from the front with a natural ability, fairness, and extensive playing experience. His presence commands respect unites the team, and sets the standard for what it means to be a Spartan

Garry King - Australian Army

Gary King takes on the role of Director of Referees, bringing with him a strong blend of playing experience, officiating expertise, and Defence-born leadership. An Australian Army veteran, Gary spent the majority of his service years on the playing field before transitioning into refereeing, where he has since excelled to a high standard. Deeply involved within the QRU referee community, he now oversees referee development across the Darling Downs region in Queensland, guiding new and emerging officials with a steady and experienced hand. Gary’s commitment to the game and his passion for developing others make him a perfect fit for the Spartans’ mission. He will play a key role in providing veteran members with pathways into refereeing, helping them learn, grow, and thrive as confident match officials

Neil Bielby - Australian & British Army

Neil Beilby takes on the role of ADF Liaison Officer, bringing with him a unique dual-service background in both the British Army and the Australian Army. With a long history of playing rugby in both forces, Neil’s on-field career was cut short through injury—however, his passion for the game and dedication to the veteran community never faded. Instead, he transitioned seamlessly into an organisational and support role within the Spartans, where he now plays a crucial part in connecting current serving members with the club. Neil’s focus is ensuring that Defence personnel have a clear, welcoming pathway into the Spartans before they transition out of service. His lived experience, commitment, and care for the Defence rugby community make him an invaluable cornerstone of the club’s mission

Al Finnsson - Australian Army

Al Finnsson takes on the role of ADF Liaison Officer, bringing with him a unique service background in the Australian Army. With a long history of playing, coaching and managing rugby throughout the ADF, his passion for the game and dedication to the veteran community is strong. Seamlessly at home in a rugby environment, he will now play an important part in connecting current serving members with the club. Focussing on ensuring that Defence personnel have a clear, welcoming pathway into the Spartans before they transition out of service. His lived experience, commitment, and care for the Defence rugby community make him an invaluable cornerstone of the club’s mission