Meet the team.
Find out a bit more about our lovely people that help make Sense Rugby happen.
ERIN RAYNER
Board Member
Erin is an experienced Paediatric Occupational Therapist, who moved home to Aotearoa in 2019. After delivering Sense Rugby groups in Australia for a couple of years and experiencing the joy that engaging in the programme brought to many young people, with the help from Jesse and Carlien (Sense Rugby founders), Erin helped to establish the Sense Rugby (New Zealand) Trust in 2020.
One of Erin’s key passions is to bring her love of helping young people through learning, play and movement into the community. Her skills on and off the field ensure that Sense Rugby is an inclusive, engaging and supportive opportunity for disabled tamariki and rangatahi, and for Whānau to connect. Erin looks forward to continuing to work hard to ensure Sense Rugby continues to increase its reach, and be more accessible across all of Aotearoa.
RACHEL PEARCE
Board Member
Rachel is passionate about supporting tamariki, rangatahi and whanau to reach their potential. For most of her career, Rachel has worked in children’s health in a range of commissioning, funding, governance and project roles in Aotearoa, Australia and the UK.
As a public sector leader, Rachel is aware that where the government is not able to, charities often provide the strengths-based services that families need to thrive. Rachel is passionate about governing sustainable charities that make a positive difference to tamariki, rangatahi and whanau.
SASHA THOMSON
Board Member
Sasha possesses an extensive background in governance, having rendered administrative services for various boards, including NZ Rugby, High Performance Sport, and Sport NZ. Her passion for sports and its wide-ranging benefits is evident in her dedication. As a mother of four, she has personally witnessed how sports can positively impact individuals and is driven to ensure that every child has access to ample sporting opportunities, leaving no one behind.
BEPPO WALLACE
Business Administrator
With a background of business management in the hospitality and design industries, Beppo brings a wide range of skills to the head office team. He is passionate about providing equal opportunities to all tamariki and rangatahi, and loves seeing the positive effects Sense Rugby has on its participants.
Outside of work you will find Beppo enjoying family time with his partner and three kids or out riding his mountain bike. Sometimes both at the same time!
VANESSA RAYNER
Board Member
Vanessa has unique mix of strategic, operational and people leadership skills which have developed through extensive experience in public sector balance sheet and risk management, policy development and governance in New Zealand and Australia. She is a compassionate and inclusive leader who strongly supports the mahi of Sense Rugby and loves to get involved on the ground as much as possible too.
SHAR AMNER
Chairperson
Shar is a seasoned General Manager and Director known for his strategic vision and expert governance in driving growth and fostering continuous improvement. With a strong emphasis on economic development, he has demonstrated governance acumen in various roles in the corporate and non-profit sectors.
Shar is deeply committed to mentoring and empowering others, actively sharing valuable insights and practical advice. His professional achievements are complemented by a lifelong dedication to rugby, with extensive experience in playing, coaching, administrating, and advisory roles across various levels of the game.
As the newly appointed Chairperson of Sense Rugby NZ, Shar brings his strategic leadership and passion for rugby to this role. He envisions enhancing the organisation's impact and growth throughout New Zealand.
MELISSA MORONEY
Board Member
Melissa brings a unique blend of financial expertise, passion for sport and a deep personal connection to the cause of Sense Rugby. As a qualified Chartered Accountant with a background in rugby administration, Melissa is passionate about the sustainable growth of Sense Rugby to ensure the programme allows tamariki and rangatahi of all abilities and backgrounds the opportunity to thrive through sport.
Her role as Finance Manager of Rugby World Cup 2021 established Melissa as a valued leader and trusted advisor, from the uncertainty of the event’s postponement through to a sell out final match at Eden Park. Melissa’s experience navigating challenges and maintaining financial stability are important attributes she brings as Treasurer on the Sense Rugby Board.
JO ALLEN
General Manager
Jo is a Paediatric Occupational Therapist with experience in clinical, management and strategic areas of child health and disability. She has a passion for ensuring tamariki and rangatahi with additional barriers are supported to access health and disability services. She has described the opportunity to lead Sense Rugby as 'once in a lifetime'.
Jo is motivated to continue to build on the momentum SRNZ has built by listening to communities and enabling the Sense Rugby kaimahi to continue the amazing work they do. Jo lives in Porirua with her husband and two tamariki (10 and 7) and in her spare time loves to read, be with whānau and spend time in the ngāhere.
Supporters.
Sport New Zealand has committed to supporting Sense Rugby NZ for three years to 2024 via its Disability Inclusion Fund. This funding gives us the security required to strengthen our core services and continue to grow.
Funders.
The following organisations have played a big role in funding Sense Rugby programmes in their regions.
Rugby Clubs.
The clubs below have teamed up with Sense Rugby to help deliver our programme in their area.
