Kendra's Rugby Game Plan - Step Into My Boots, Girls!

The Black Fern tackles the guys and triumphs!

- Ellen Mackenzie

When Kendra Cocksedge started playing rugby at the age of four, she always found herself on the field surrounded by boys.

Fast forward to 2019 and the 31-year-old sports star is still competing and winning against the guys. Last year she became the first female to be awarded the Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Player of the Year gong at the New Zealand Rugby Awards, beating All Blacks Brodie Retallick, Richie Mo’unga and Codie Taylor.

“I fell in love with rugby from the moment I started playing,” recalls Kendra. “Winning Player of the Year – words can’t describe what an amazing feeling that was. When you’re up against three All Blacks who had a superb year too, and to be the first female to do it, it’s something I’ll live with for the rest of my life. That’s history mate!”

Looking back on all her milestones, the New Plymouth-born Black Fern can’t believe how far she’s come. Kendra made her debut in the black jersey in 2007, aged just 19, and since then she’s gone on to win two Women’s Rugby World Cups, a Rugby World Cup Sevens crown and this year she played her 50th test – only the second Black Fern to have the honour.