 With the youngest team in Australia, the Rams were tipped to finish in the bottom two on the ladder but instead claimed the minor premiership with a thrilling brand of rugby under Melrose.He was Head Coach of the Australia under 20s team which finished in fifth place at the 2008 IRB Junior World Championships, and Head Coach of Eastwood in 2009.Melrose left for Ireland in 2010 to take up a contract as assistant coach with Connacht in the Pro12 competition.