The last-ditch bid to save Canberra's foundation rugby club Easts

Club president Huia Edmonds has launched a call to arms to the ACT Rugby community in a bid to ignite support for Easts to continue after its 82-year history in first grade came to a halt this season.

Edmonds has called for past and present players and officials from Easts and rival clubs alike to have their say at an open meeting at the Croatia Deakin Soccer Club, beginning at 6.30pm on December 10.

The coronavirus pandemic was "the final nail in the coffin" for Easts after they pulled out of this year's John I Dent Cup campaign after years of on-field struggles.

Mergers were discussed and folding altogether was an option. Yet Edmonds and the Easts board were determined to fight, moving to a lower division for the 2020 season.

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The dream is to return to Canberra's first grade competition but it can only happen if there is sufficient support following dwindling player numbers in recent years.

Former ACT Brumbies and Wallabies rake Edmonds hopes this year marked the step back Easts had to take before trying to rebuild with an eye on a John I Dent Cup return.

"We know the club will have to earn the right to be readmitted to the top grade," Easts life member Kevin Gill said.