The Gungahlin Eagles are proud to announce Tim Davis as First Grade Head Coach for the 2026 season — a well-earned next step for one of the club’s most respected figures.
Tim (Davo) Davis has been part of the Eagles’ fabric for over three decades. From leading the club on the field through the late 1990s and early 2000s to mentoring its next generation as a head coach and assistant coach of various teams, his appointment brings experience and Eagles DNA to the role.
Davo played 221 club games in the red and black, including 178 First Grade appearances. He came through Daramalan College and joined the Eagles in 1990. Davo went on to captain First-Grade from 1996 to 2002 and lifted the John I Dent Cup in 2003. His leadership has extended beyond the field, serving as Club President from 2011 to 2013 and earning Clubman of the Year honours three times (1996, 2004 and 2009), and received the ultimate accolade of Life Membership in 2014.
In more recent years, Davo has been a key part of the Eagles’ success as a coach and mentor. He co-coached 2nd Grade in back-to-back premierships in 2019 and 2020, and has served as a First Grade Assistant Coach to Marco Caputo, Owen Finegan, and most recently Locky McCaffrey, helping steer the side to a premiership in 2023.
Now, as he steps into the top role, Davis says he’s going to start his tenure by placing value on hard work, honesty, and high standards. “To be trusted with the responsibility of leading this club’s First Grade team is deeply humbling,” Davis says. “As a young player, I was coached by some great clubmen who left a lasting impression on me — both as a player and a person. Hopefully, I can have a similar impact on the outstanding young players we have at the Eagles.”
“I’m very proud of our club, our people and our history, and I am very excited for the future. Our goals aren’t complicated. We want to be tough to play against and proud of how we go about it. I’m excited about what’s ahead, because I know the people in this club care deeply and will do the work in order to have success.”
Davis’ appointment continues the growth of the Eagles’ rugby program under Director of Rugby, Glenn Carey, who is confident that Davis’ leadership will strengthen the entire club.
“Tim’s appointment is a big moment for the Eagles,” Carey says.
“Tim is a premiership winning player & coach, a mentor, and a bloke who’s given everything to this club. I’ve been blessed to have shared my rugby journey with Tim over the past 30 years, and I’ve got full faith in his ability to get the best out of our athletes. He knows what makes this place tick and is the epitome of what it means to be an Eagle.” Carey said the focus heading into 2026 will be on alignment and maintaining high standards across all grades.
“Tim’s leadership won’t stop with First Grade. Those that know Davo know full-well he brings everyone together, and he does it so naturally. He’ll influence how we all train, prepare, and represent the Eagles right across the program. He brings a strong voice and a clear idea of what ‘good’ looks like.”
For Davis, his appointment is about building on the club’s history and fostering an environment where everyone is welcome, respected, and appreciated.
As the Eagles prepare for 2026, the 40-year anniversary of our famous ’86 John I Dent Cup win, the appointment of Tim Davis signals a return to familiar values; hard work, respect, and pride in the jersey, and a belief that the best years for the red and black are still ahead.
The remainder of the rugby program’s coaches are being finalised and will be announced in due course.
