Canterbury stalwart announces her retirement

Canterbury stalwart Kendra Cocksedge has today announced her impending retirement from all rugby, following the 2021 Rugby World Cup.  

The 34-year-old is set to play her 99th match for Canterbury in Sunday’s Farah Palmer Cup semi-final said the time was right to focus on the next chapter in her life.

From the age of four, I dreamt of being an All Black, until I realised it simply wasn’t possible. However, at 19, my rugby dreams were realised, and I was named in the Black Ferns! 

After 15 years in the black jersey, I sit here and reflect on my childhood dream.  I feel incredibly fortunate for the experience’s rugby has given me. I’ve had more opportunities than I can count and have had incredible people alongside me who’ve inspired me to be my best every day.  

I never could have imagined I’d achieve all that I have, and I am so excited about the future of women’s rugby and the new generation of players, coaches, and referees.  

I have decided 2022 will be my last year playing the game I love.  

However, it’s not over for me yet. I have a massive job ahead of me.   

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! 

It has been my greatest honour to represent my club, my province and my country. 

There are so many people who have contributed to my journey, I didn’t earn the black jersey alone. I thank you all for your support and aroha.  

I hope I have done you proud.  

Kenj #142 

Blair Baxter, Canterbury Farah Palmer Cup coach, paid tribute to Cocksedge, “The character and attributes that Kendra lives daily are woven into the fabric of the Canterbury FPC side. This allows us to thrive both on & off the field. She’s true champion of the women’s game and her love for the Red & Black Jersey is truly admirable.” 

“Her legacy is well and truly intrenched in Canterbury Rugby.”  

Canterbury Rugby Chief Executive Tony Smail said “Whilst we all knew this day would come, we secretly wished it would be a while off yet. Kendra is a person who over the past decade has been a large part of the driving force behind the women’s programme in Canterbury and the success it has enjoyed.” 

“She is a role model for any young woman wishing to pursue her own goals and aspirations. She is the ultimate competitor, even in a game of paper scissors rock she wants to win.” 

“Her passion for rugby, her teammates, and the people around her is infectious and something that will be missed out on the park.”  

“We have been exceptionally lucky to have her pull on the red and black of Canterbury and given we know how much she loves a stat; we hope the final numbers play out in her favour and she gets to finish her time playing the game the way she wants.”  

“Canterbury is all the richer for Kendra’s time here and we wish her all the best in her endeavours, in whatever that may be.”  

Kendra first moved to Canterbury in 2007 and made her debut for Canterbury at the age of 19. She has also played 114 games for the University of Canterbury.  

Kendra is the leading points scorer for Canterbury with 1060 points, and also holds the record for the most first class points scored by a women at 1426 points  

If Canterbury are to make the final of the 2022 Farah Palmer Cup and Kendra is available for selection, she will become the second women’s player in Canterbury to play 100 games, following on from her great mate Steph Te Ohaere-Fox.