PRESIDENT GRAHAME O'DONNELL STEPS DOWN

On Monday, March 25th at the 125th Annual General Meeting at North Sydney Oval, after six years as President and a combined eighteen years at Northern Suburbs in Coaching, Director and Rugby Director positions, Grahame O’Donnell stepped down as President.

Grahame (Hound) O’Donnell is part of the furniture at Northern Suburbs with his infectious energy, approachable nature, and love for the game of rugby. You can often find him walking up and down the sidelines riding the highs and lows of matches throughout the season.

Grahame has now moved to a position on the Sydney Rugby Union Board after fellow club presidents nominated him for a vacant position in late 2023.

On behalf of everyone at Northern Suburbs, we’d like to thank you for your outstanding work and wish you nothing but success in your new position with the SRU.

With Grahame’s resignation, Brad Leahy has stepped up as President. Brad has been part of the Club for nearly ten years in various roles, including CEO during the transition away from Cabana Bar and Treasurer when reshaping the financial strength of the Club. However, Brad’s main role over the last few years has been Grahame’s right-hand man.

Brad has been side by side with Grahame over the years and has supported him through some fantastic times at Northern Suburbs, including our premiership in 2016 and reaching the preliminary finals every year since then. Despite having not played rugby, Brad has developed a strong understanding of the Shute Shield, its challenges, and opportunities over the years working alongside Grahame.

Brad works in Private Equity and has a strong business acumen and understanding of professional sport that will be a great asset in the role of Northern Suburbs President.

Importantly, under Grahame’s stewardship, the Club has established itself as one of the leading clubs in the competition with a Board, a GM, coaches, players, volunteers, partners and members that are the envy of many. Brad, together with this strong team, will ensure the Club continues to compete at the highest of levels, provides a pathway to professional rugby for aspirational coaches, players and staff and continues a culture that produces lifelong memories!

On behalf of everyone at Northern Suburbs, congratulations Brad Leahy on your new role as Northern Suburbs President.