Kevin Iro

Kevin Iro, joins the team at Sportsplayer Management and with him brings a wealth of experience. He played professional Rugby League for 14 years, in both Australia and the United Kingdom. Kevin represented New Zealand, playing for the Kiwi’s for over a decade and also was able to represent his home land of the Cook Islands for another decade. Iro was given a golden opportunity to play in the 2005/06 Commonwealth Games- playing for the Cook Islands in the Rugby 7’s.

Kevin negotiated his own contracts during his playing career and in the initial stages was frustrated because he lacked the mentoring and guidance from an experienced Player Manager. The contract deal could at times be difficult but a quick-thinking Kevin Iro learnt first hand how to handle the networking requirements expected of him as a player and as his own representative, for obtaining the best negotiation.

After retiring from professional football in 2001, Kevin moved back to his roots……Rarotonga, a place that remained close to his heart. Recognising the hidden talents nestled in the islands, Kevin built a Sports Academy to give young Cook Islanders an opportunity which they may otherwise not have been given to develop their skills and promote their talents in both Union and League.

Most important to Kevin, is the actuality that young Polynesian men and boys come from a unique and family orientated culture. One which often makes them appear shy and withdrawn when thrust into new living environments. He recognises the deep need for these boys to be completely readied before being released to endeavour a professional playing career away from home and focuses on preparing every individual gift, aiming to give these boys the best possible outcome.

Although a successful and accomplished self-managed sportsman, Kevin has noticed the need for such a unique concept of Ex-Established Player Managers who can identify with the exclusive needs of the player from a ‘been there done that’ view point.