By Athletes for Athletes
By Athletes for Athletes
My professional rugby journey commenced in 2019 when I secured a training contract with the Black Fern Sevens. In 2020, I embarked on a new adventure by living in Japan and playing sevens on my first full-time contract. The following year, I returned to New Zealand and joined the Black Fern fifteen aside team, which eventually became my full-time job in 2022. This remarkable journey involved juggling amateur and semi-professional sports with studies, leading me to complete my Law degree in 2021. In March 2022, I was admitted to the bar. Throughout my university years, I managed multiple commitments, including work and positions of responsibility, all while maintaining my unwavering passion for sports. From March 2022 onwards, I fully dedicated myself to professional rugby, securing contracts with Matatū (2022/23), Chiefs (2024/25), and the esteemed Black Ferns.
In October 2024, following my seventh concussion, I requested a brain scan, which resulted in an uncommon finding. I had a brain bleed (microhaemorrhage) and suspicion of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) called diffuse axonal injury. After consulting several neurologists, I was informed that I would never be permitted to play rugby or any sport that involves head contact ever again.
During my career, I required support. I found myself stranded in Japan due to the Covid pandemic, faced challenges with both my financial and non-financial well-being, yearned for someone who could identify opportunities both domestically and globally, and had numerous questions that I wanted to ask. However, expressing my needs on my own might have been perceived as ungrateful or needy.
I knew I didn’t want to strictly be a lawyer, but I wanted to find a way to leverage the skills I gained in the sporting world to help athletes gain an advantage. So, here I am today, turning my visions and dreams into reality.
I’ve always had a deep desire to assist and represent other athletes. After medically retiring from rugby, I founded my own Sports Management Agency, Athlete Advantage, which I manage on a casual basis.
If you’re a professional athlete seeking representation in negotiating your contract to get the value you deserve based on your athletic ability, wanting to explore new domestic and international contract opportunities, sourcing and negotiating commercial opportunities, and obtaining partnerships with brands and companies that align with your values, and in need of assistance managing your wealth - you’ve come to the right place!
I’m excited to dabble and chip away at something I’m so passionate about alongside my legal career. If you need assistance with your career, both on and off the field, court, pitch, or track, I would love to hear from you!
"Grace Steinmetz is one of those special people that you immediately warm to. She is vivacious, happy and genuinely interested in you. She is a talented athlete but more than that, she has a mature and honest outlook on life. She shows empathy for others, has a huge amount of grit and drive whilst understanding the ups and downs of high performance sport."
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