Shontayne Hape
29 Vue Terrace, Silverdale,AUK
Summary
A highly accomplished sports professional with 14 years of elite experience representing New Zealand in Rugby League and England in Rugby Union. Having lived and competed in England and France, I have built a strong global network and developed deep expertise in relationship management across both business and sport.
In my current role at NZRL, I have successfully led nationwide community and project initiatives, delivering impactful wellbeing programs, managing key partnerships, and promoting multi-sport participation among youth. My expertise includes sponsorship management, high-profile speaking engagements, and strategic program execution in collaboration with Sport NZ, Māori Rugby League, and ACC.
A results-driven and adaptable leader, I thrive in dynamic environments, building strong cross-cultural relationships, identifying growth opportunities, and representing brands with professionalism and influence. With a proven track record in leadership, sales, and stakeholder engagement, I am eager to transition into the corporate sector, leveraging my skills to drive success in key relationship management.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Community & Projects
New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL)
01.2021 - Current
- Executed wellbeing and life-skills presentations nationwide for youth rugby league players, focusing on mental resilience and personal development to over 6,000 athletes and coaches.
- Led partnership engagement with Sport NZ, advocating for the Balance is Better initiative to encourage multi-sport participation.
- Collaborated with Māori Rugby League to strengthen community engagement and cultural alignment within rugby league programs
- Managed sponsorship relationships, maintaining partnerships with key stakeholders and corporate sponsors
- Conducted speaking engagements on behalf of NZRL and Sport NZ, promoting youth sport and wellbeing
- Implemented the ACC concussion and injury prevention portfolio, training coaches and managers to enhance player safety and welfare
- Established and maintained strong relationships with key corporate sponsors, ensuring mutual value and sustainable partnerships
Sponsorship & Business Development
Shape Management
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Negotiated and managed sponsorship deals, aligning business and market needs with strategic partnerships
- Developed and executed sponsorship activation plans to maximize brand exposure and engagement.
- Built strong commercial relationships with directors, CEOs, and corporate stakeholders
- Led proposal development efforts, crafting compelling pitches that successfully secured new contracts and projects.
Financial Adviser
Evergreen Insurance
01.2018 - 12.2018
- Provided tailored financial solutions to over 50 clients, assessing portfolios and offering specialized guidance
Business Development Manager
EWP Services
01.2017 - 12.2017
- Led sales initiatives and expanded client base in the equipment and machinery sector
- Managed key accounts and increased new client business opportunities
Sales Manager - Memberships
Vodafone Warriors
01.2015 - 12.2016
- Increased membership sales from 10,000 to 18,000 within three months, generating $300,000+ in new revenue
- Implemented innovative digital strategies to engage fans in Australia and New Zealand
- Managed corporate sales and client relationships to drive membership growth
- Handled customer relations issues, enabling quick resolution, and client satisfaction.
Professional Rugby Player
Various
01.2000 - 12.2014
- New Zealand Kiwis (2004 - 2008) - Tri-Nations Winner (2005), World Cup Squad (2008)
- England Rugby Union (2009 - 2011) - Six Nations Winner (2011), Rugby World Cup Squad (2011)
- Club Rugby & Rugby League - NZ Warriors,Bradford Bulls, Bath Rugby, London Irish, Montpellier
Presenter & Analyst
Sky
01.2013 - 12.2013
- Presenter & Analyst - SKY TV, Māori TV, Rugby League World Cup (2013)
- Guest Speaker & Host - Corporate events and sponsorship engagements
- Contributed subject matter expertise as a panelist or guest speaker at conferences or events related to my field.
- Customized presentation style based on audience demographics, adapting tone and language to suit different groups'' needs.
Education
BA (Hons) - Leadership & Management
Northumbria University
Newcastle01.2014
Certificate IV - Elite Athlete Wellbeing Management
The Wellbeing Science Institute
Australia08.2025
Level 2 - Coaching
RFU,NZRL
Bath, UK02.2014
Skills
- Relationship building and management
- Leadership & Team Development
- Public Speaking & Brand Representation
- Customer relationship management
- Education & Training Delivery
- Customer engagement
- Partnership development
- Stakeholder management
- Brand awareness
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Social media marketing
- CRM software proficiency
Professional Rugby Career
2003 - 2014, New Zealand Kiwis, 2004 - 2008, Tri-Nations Winner (2005), World Cup Squad (2008), England Rugby Union, 2009 - 2011, Six Nations Winner (2011), Rugby World Cup Squad (2011), Club Rugby & Rugby League, Bradford Bulls, Bath Rugby, London Irish, Montpellier
Broadcast Media Roles
- Presenter & Analyst, SKY TV, Māori TV, Rugby League World Cup (2013)
- Guest Speaker & Host, Corporate events and sponsorship engagements
Hobbies and Interests
- Fishing
- Outdoors
- Surfing
- DJing
- Youth mentorship
- Community sports development in Rugby
- Golf
Certification
- First Aid Certification
- NZ Full Driver's License
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Maori
Limited Working
French
Professional Working
Interests
I participate in various sports activities for physical activity, camaraderie, and personal growth
- Passionate about balancing physical health with mental and emotional wellness
- Fishing
- Golf
- Surfing
- Basketball
- Djing
- Youth mentor, providing guidance and support to empower the next generation in sport
- Participating in fundraising events to support local charities, schools, or community projects
Timeline
Community & Projects
New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL)
01.2021 - Current
Sponsorship & Business Development
Shape Management
01.2018 - 01.2021
Financial Adviser
Evergreen Insurance
01.2018 - 12.2018
Business Development Manager
EWP Services
01.2017 - 12.2017
Sales Manager - Memberships
Vodafone Warriors
01.2015 - 12.2016
Presenter & Analyst
Sky
01.2013 - 12.2013
Professional Rugby Player
Various
01.2000 - 12.2014
- First Aid Certification
- NZ Full Driver's License
BA (Hons) - Leadership & Management
Northumbria University
Certificate IV - Elite Athlete Wellbeing Management
The Wellbeing Science Institute
Level 2 - Coaching
RFU,NZRL
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