Kendra Cocksedge - ‘I’m small but I’m mighty.’

We are in the middle of a RWC but it was great to be able to squeeze in 30 minutes with the living legend that is Kendra Cocksedge. With her retirement on the horizon, it was probably the perfect time to sit and chat about her past 16 years in the black jersey. All the changes that have happened - the majority of which have been positive but not necessarily easy. Alice Soper said it so well “ There is no Kendra Cocksedge without Jensen. No Jensen without Monique Hirivana’ and she is right. New Zealand has been blessed with some very special number nines and Kendra is keen to see that carry on.

“With my retirement, I felt that the time was right - there are some really good players now ready to step up. I feel like I can leave my legacy in the jersey and now it’s somebody else’s turn.’

Kendra is aware that she is a caretaker of the #9 jersey.  She must leave her legacy in the jersey and then leave it ready for somebody else. I feel like nines are coming through now that are ready for that journey.’

“My why has always been around leaving a legacy. From the moment I first made the Black Fern’s it was always about being a role model for the four-year-old me that started playing the game. I’ve always wanted to inspire and empower women and young girls”

Job well done.