Sportscover : Everything you need to know

Sportscover – Everything you need to know

About Sportcover
Sportscover is a provider of various sports and leisure services, drawing on its extensive experience in insurance, risk management, and the media. It has offices in Melbourne, Sydney, and London, as well as a wide range of partners worldwide. It covers players, coaches, clubs and teams, gyms and fitness facilities, as well as larger organisations such as sport associations, federations, and national governing bodies.

History of Sportscover

Sportscover was founded in 1986 and is most well-known for providing specialist insurance for sports and other leisure activities. As the name suggests, the company’s main focus is sports and it keeps up-to-date with the latest trends in the sector. Throughout the years, it has grown to become one of the largest specialist sports insurers globally, opening its Sydney office in 1993 and its UK office in 1999.

In 2006, Sportscover opened its Lloyd’s syndicate, which brings its expertise in sports and leisure insurance to the world’s foremost and largest insurance marketplace. In 2013, Sportscover entered talks with Bermudian investment firm Haverford over the sale of its Lloyd’s syndicate, but talks broke down in the following year. It then began talks on a strategic partnership with Bermuda-based property and casualty insurer Hamilton Insurance Group. The deal was successful, and Hamilton assumed control of Sportscover Underwriting Ltd and Sportscover’s Lloyd’s syndicate 3334.

Sportscover announced in 2014 that it planned to have a 70/30 split of Australia and overseas business, and highlighted its rapid growth in New Zealand. Former CEO David Lamb was elected to the board of directors of the Underwriting Agencies Council (UAC).

In 2017, experienced sports executive Simon Allatson was appointed CEO of Sportscover. He succeeded former CEO David Lamb. Cheryl McCormack, a former Australian international netball player, was appointed to the company’s board of directors that same year.

Sportscover was nominated for Best Community Engagement Program – Insurer at the 2018 Insurance Business Awards. CEO Simon Allatson announced plans to further expand overseas, specifically in the North America and Southeast Asia markets, that year too.

Leadership at Sportscover

Peter Nash – founder and group chairman
Nash founded Sportscover in 1986, having identified a gap in the Australian market with the lack of insurance cover for amateur sports. He also heads Wild Goose Holdings, Sportscover’s parent firm.

Chris Nash – managing director
The son of founder Peter Nash, Chris Nash has been part of Sportscover since 1990, beginning as an account executive. He became CEO in 2000, before transitioning to director of underwriting and claims in 2009. In 2011, he took on an additional role as managing director, and he also heads Sportscover’s Europe branch.

Simon Allatson – CEO
Allatson was appointed CEO of Sportscover in 2017, succeeding David Lamb. Prior to joining Sportscover, he headed several sports organisations, such as National Ice Sports, New Zealand Tennis, Australian Swimming, Athletics Australia, Sydney Kings Basketball, and Sports Revenue Australia. He also served as deputy CEO of the National Heart Foundation of Australia.

Culture at Sportscover
As a company specializing in sports insurance, Sportscover supports many sports-related causes. For 2014-2015, it selected Indigenous Marathon Project (now known as Indigenous Marathon Foundation) as its official charity. The organisation uses running to promote a healthy and active lifestyle among Australian Indigenous communities. It also focuses on creating role models and inspiring Australia’s Indigenous people. Sportscover also provides support to various insurance industry charitable programs, including McLardy McShane’s annual charity golf day.

In 2016, Sportscover partnered with British brain injury association Headway, participating in various fundraising activities and awareness campaigns. Recently, the Sportscover UK team raised £1,000 for Headway, supporting its ‘Concussion Aware’ campaign, which tackles concussions in sports, especially football and rugby.

Sportscover is also the name sponsor of the 2020 Clubbies awards. Organized by Inside Sport magazine, the awards recognizes individuals that have made significant contributions to grassroots sports development.