About us

Kiyoshi Nakamura is an experienced global marketing and broadcasting professional with an international reputation. Kiyoshi spent nearly 40 years with Dentsu Inc. in various international media and sales promotion positions in London and Tokyo. Here, he was instrumental in the marketing, broadcasting and hospitality rights for the FIFA World Cup and FIFA Club World Cup from 2001 to 2021, and in 2015 helped seal the deal for Dentsu to acquire one-third of premier NFL Agency Athletes 1 First. He also made a significant contribution to the success of the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan and was recognised for his outstanding international sports business achievements when he was named in World Rugby's '100 people who have influenced rugby around the world' published in the next year. Kiyoshi has an extensive network of contacts in international sport and is one of Japan's leading sports business people.

Lou Thompson is a pioneer in sports management and has a distinguished 25-year career in the industry. Lou established Global Sports Management NZ and Japan (GSM) in 2001. He grew the company to become NZ’s largest independent sports management company working with sporting greats in NZ, the UK, France, South Africa, Australia and Japan. GSM was bought by UK-based sports management firm Essentially Group in 2006, which was later acquired by CSM in 2009. Lou managed the CSM global rugby business until 2018 when he brokered the sale of CSM NZ & Japan to Dentsu – one of the largest global marketing and advertising agencies. The company then rebranded as Halo with Lou as the Executive Chairman until he left in 2022.

Lou is considered a global rugby specialist with his operational roles covering many aspects of the rugby sport industry, more recently with an emphasis on new business development in the Japanese rugby market. His enduring friendships with many of his clients is testament to a passion for the industry and the people involved.

As a professional rugby player for more than 15 years in NZ, Europe and Japan, Cameron McIntyre has first-hand knowledge, unique insights, and vast experience to advise sportspeople and their families in professional sport. Cam looks after a diverse range of athletes, including some of the world’s best players, and strongly believes in nurturing lifelong relationships with clients. He understands that the intensity of the industry demands quality representation, long-term planning, and having the best interests of clients at the forefront of everything he does, and it's this ‘PLAYER FIRST’ approach that sets him apart. Cam is an NZRPA Accredited Agent and a Qualified Financial Advisor, and works closely with the NZR, NZRPA, Super Rugby/Provincial Unions, International Clubs, and commercial brands.

Pete Simmons is a global leader in the sports management landscape and has been involved in some of the biggest rugby contracts in each of the professional markets around the world during his nearly 20-year UK based career. Having represented multiple internationals from each of the top international teams in the world, Pete has an unsurpassed knowledge of the global rugby market and is a Registered agent in the UK, Ireland, and Japan. Recently, he has been the catalyst behind almost all the UK and Ireland to Japan rugby deals and has an extensive network in Europe and Japan that enables him to add value to players and teams alike.

Pete takes pride in holistically guiding individuals from the beginning to the end of their careers.  As well as representing athletes, Pete also represents a select few elite coaches and support staff. He has also been involved in multi-tiered sponsorship portfolios, arranged international placements , games , events and partnerships, and is a key visionary and founder of littleGIANT.

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In his previous role as Head of Japan for a leading sports agency, Tim Harvey conducted more than 1000 successful contract negotiations between NZ and Japanese enterprises. Tim's focus on building relationships has made him a valuable partner for Kiwi businesses looking to operate in Japan. Tim has a natural understanding of both Japanese and New Zealand cultures and languages (as a result of his upbringing as a “missionary kid” in Japan). He was raised with strong moral values, with an emphasis on caring for people and building relationships. Trust, integrity and conviction have been at the heart of his business dealings in Japan and New Zealand for more than 25 years.

Paris Nakajima has shepherded players and entire teams to many of the biggest clubs in Europe and England. Raised in both the UK and Japan, Paris speaks both languages and understands both cultures. He honed his skills at Yokohama F Marinos Academy before playing several years across Europe. Paris has also represented Canada U20/U23. After retiring, he turned his focus to creating opportunities for Japanese players to experience football outside of Japan. Since becoming a FIFA licensed agent in 2023, Paris aims to help players reach their full potential both on and off the pitch.

With a rich multicultural background, Nevin brings a unique blend of experience and skills as a Client Service Manager, dedicated to supporting athletes and their families in Japan. Being half Japanese and Austrian, with New Zealand permanent residency, Nevin has had the privilege of growing up in Vienna and Tokyo, and has lived in six different countries. Fluent in three languages, her passion for travel and diverse cultural experiences deeply influences her approach to client service.

Nevin's extensive background in hospitality, event management, and the government sector enables her to offer strong support, leveraging her international upbringing and professional expertise to help clients seamlessly integrate into Japanese culture and perform at their best.

Yuga Kurihara worked as a team translator for several rugby clubs in Japan before becoming an agent for professional sportspeople. Over the past ten years, Yuga has managed a number of rugby talents and their contracts (both professional and commercial), and in doing so has added value to what he calls 'this beautiful sport of rugby'.  His hard work, dedication to his clients, and relationships with the rugby clubs and brands in Japan make Yuga one of the leading rugby agents in Japan.

Deryck has played rugby in Japan for the past 20+years.  Starting at university level, he then excelled to a professional and international level. Deryck is looking forward to applying his mentoring skills in this industry and adding value for the next highly talented generation.