The Eagles’ aspirations extend well beyond success on the playing field next year. Photo: Jayzie Photography.
In his own words, Ben Faulks has been in and around the Eagles for as long as he can remember, beginning as a kid running around, aspiring to play first grade for the club.
His father, David, was the club’s fourth president from 1994 to 1996 as the Eagles transitioned from Daramalan to Gungahlin.
Now three decades later, Ben has assumed that mantle as the Eagles’ 14th president.
Plenty has changed in those 30 years, with Ben’s aspirations of playing first grade for the club becoming a reality the season after he left school.
Gungahlin Eagles legend, Tim Davis, returns as first-grade coach. Photo: Gungahlin Eagles.
Since then, apart from playing, he has assumed many roles, including captain, coach, committee member, secretary, sponsor, and now president, resulting in an alignment of the planets.
His teammate in that first year out of Daramalan College in 2004, Tim Davis, has returned to the Eagles as the first-grade coach.
Together, they have an eye on building success in partnership with the Gungahlin community.
Tim’s rugby DNA is undeniably Gungahlin Eagles, having played 221 games for the club, many as captain, including in the premiership team of 2003, as assistant coach when they claimed the first grade premiership of 2023, and he coached the seconds in back-to-back titles.
He’s been president, awarded life membership, sponsored the club, and been named Clubman of the Year.
In the eyes of many, he kept the club afloat during the tough times. His emotions after the Eagles won the John I Dent Cup in 2023 openly displayed how much the club means to him.
The Gungahlin Eagles soared over the Tuggeranong Vikings in the 2023 John I Dent Cup Grand Final 33-22. Photo: Jayzie Photography.
While he is committed to honouring the old boys who helped build the Gungahlin Eagles, Tim’s focus is very much on the road ahead.
“Having a strong and connected coaching-volunteer group is the key to any community sporting club’s success,” he said.
“Having a president like Ben who understands the game and the importance of a strong community connection is very exciting for the Eagles’ future. Ben, also being a very successful businessman, will also provide the right commercial direction and strategy to ensure the Eagles are a strong club on and off the field.”
Kim Paxton, Samuel Fitzsimmons, Lisa Hyland, Dan White, Ben Faulks, Jake Battenally, Scott Jackson, Joshua Gutierrez and Zoe White at the ribbon cutting of the new Ray White office in Manuka last month. Photo: Ray White.
Ben’s business success is undeniable.
Under his leadership as CEO of Ray White Canberra, the business has grown from three employees to 150.
Says Ben, “The timing to take on the Eagles presidency felt right with my business now well established, and I have always wanted to give back to the Club in some capacity”.
Gungahlin Eagles veteran Matt Hawke bracing for contact in the 2023 John I Dent Cup Grand Final. Photo: Jayzie Photography.
Making the decision a no-brainer was the synergy between the values he abides by in his business life and those of the Gungahlin Eagles.
“At Ray White Canberra, we have a focus on culture, consistency and community, which aligns perfectly with the Eagles’ philosophy,” says Ben.
The Eagles’ aspirations extend well beyond success on the playing field next year, with Tim and Ben driving a campaign to secure ACT Government support to undertake much-needed infrastructure upgrades at Nicholls Oval.
Another priority is to build a partnership with the Gungahlin community.
“This is an untapped area when it comes to rugby. It’s important that rugby in Gungahlin is nurtured and developed,” said Tim.
To that end, the Eagles are running a ‘come and try rugby’ afternoon on 11 December at Nicholls Oval for boys and girls aged 5-12 years.
Gungahlin’s preseason was a great success – now all eyes are on 2026. Photo: Jayzie Photography.
The community connection approach, proven successful in Ben’s business world, is already paying dividends, with up to 60 players turning out for preseason training, including a healthy number of women’s players.
It has sparked optimism, but Tim Davis believes success ultimately comes down to the basics.
“My goals are simple: I want us to be a tough and proud club. Connection and hard work win games, and no club will work harder or be more connected than us. I am certain we are going to surprise a few people next year.”
The Gungahlin Eagles are holding a Try Rugby Session for boys and girls aged 5 to 12 years on Thursday, 11 December, from 5 pm to 6 pm at Nicholls Enclosed Ovals.
After the session, families are invited to stay for a free sausage sizzle, with drinks provided. Parents are encouraged to hang around, enjoy the BBQ, meet the coaches and Brumbies players, and connect with other families. Visit Gungahlin Eagles for more information.
Tim Gavel was the co-manager of the Gungahlin Eagles First Grade team from 2019 to 2024.
