Central Districts has a long history of producing cricketers who also turn out to be terrific rugby players, but perhaps none has achieved quite so much as Central Hinds cap number 100, KENDRA COCKSEDGE.

A ground-breaking BLACK FERNS great, Cocksedge has today announced that she will hang up her rugby boots at the conclusion of the forthcoming Women's Rugby World Cup to be played here in Aotearoa New Zealand.

As a youngster from Taranaki, Cocksedge played four seasons for our Central Hinds before having to make a decision as to which sport she pursued "boots and all".

She debuted for CD in 2004/05, and would play 38 List A one-dayers, and five T20s in her last season, in that time, with her last match the 2007/08 State League Final against Canterbury at McLean Park.

PHOTOSPORT

Kendra made her BLACK FERNS debut in 2007 and her rugby career now dwarfs her limited time in cricket.

At 34, she is the most-capped BLACK FERN in the team’s 31-year history, a multiple World Cup-winning veteran who wants to go out on the perfect note.

Says Kendra, “I am determined to finish on a high, wearing the red and black in the Farah Palmer Cup. I will also do all I can to earn my spot in the BLACK FERNS, and fulfil my dream of playing in a Rugby World Cup on my home turf.”

Among Kendra's many rugby achievements, national records and accolades is the 2019 Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Player of the Year - New Zealand Rugby's highest individual award. She became the first female player to receive the premier trophy.

Kendra was also recognised by World Rugby as the 2015 International Women's Player of the Year and was named as part of the World Rugby Team of the Decade for the 2010's.

Last year she became the first woman in New Zealand history to reach 1000 points scored in the Domestic game, and she was award an MNZM in the 2021 New Year's Honours.

Central Districts Cricket would like to wish Kendra all the best for her upcoming endeavours on the rugby field at the business end of a magnificent career!

Article added: Friday 02 September 2022