Stirling is a Founding Partner of XVCA and XVCI, a sports innovation accelerator and sports-tech investment firm.

After retiring from rugby end-2012, Stirling transitioned into the corporate arena, having completed a Bachelor of Science at University of Sydney and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance before commencing a Diploma in Financial Planning.

Stirling worked as a Wealth Director in Global Institutional Bank at NAB where he liaised with institutional clients regarding corporate wealth solutions before joining the asset management firm, Unio Advisors, where he was appointed partner.

In 2015 Stirling joined The Rugby Club Foundation board to assist the transition from a social club to Australia’s largest not-for-profit in rugby whose strategic vision is

‘Sharing the Spirit of the Game’ to encourage the sport of rugby and, through this vision, increasing financial support of grassroots rugby across the country. Stirling continues to chair the Investment Committee and is Treasurer of the Foundation.

In 2017 Stirling moved into the boutique investment advisory space working with family offices and high net worths assisting wholesale investment into alternatives.

James is a Founding Partner of XVCA and XVCI, a sports innovation accelerator and sports-tech investment firm.

After retiring from elite level rugby, James joined Godfrey Pembroke, as general manager of their athletes first business. Post MLC’s purchase of Godfrey Pembroke, James joined Invesco Asset Management as Institutional Marketing Manager involved with the strategic integration of County Asset Management. James moved into wealth management recruitment and executive search with Apsley, prior to founding Godfrey Group in 2004.

From 2010 to this day, James has combined sport and financial services as a Director - SEQ Sports & Entertainment finance, Head of Sport - Newington College, General Manager - Foundation at NSW Rugby and CEO of Loyals Rugby. James has a Diploma in Positive Psychology and a Diploma in Financial Planning (1&2) from Deakin University.

He sits on private and not-for-profit boards, including XVCA (Chair) and the NSW Positive Rugby Foundation.

John is regarded as a worldwide expert within sports technology and digitised new economies.

John works at the intersection of data, digital and technology in sports, business, tourism, entertainment, stadiums and venues, gaming and digital health.

John specialises in ‘future of sport and entertainment’ next generation strategy development, managing complex data and process development, benchmarking and budgeting, M&A investment and transactions, technology transformation delivery and complex implementations.