Kronfeld set to share with the country

National sports award guest speaker and former All Blacks flanker Josh Kronfeld will run drills with Cook Islands Sports Academy students today before sharing some words of wisdom at tonight’s sports awards.

Kronfeld along with his wife Bronwyn and 18-month-old son Cassius were hosted to lunch by members of the Cook Islands Rugby Union association yesterday afternoon where he made time to have a quick chat with Cook Islands News.

Kronfeld made his first All Black test debut in 1995 playing against Canada at Eden Park in Auckland.

He remained a first choice player for Otago, the Highlanders and the All Blacks until 2001.

After playing for English club Leicester Tigers, Kronfeld returned to New Zealand in 2003 and subsequently retired from first class rugby.

These days, Kronfeld says that his rugby is mainly club oriented with a lot of coaching.

His family is currently living in Auckland where Kronfeld has also been doing a bit of work on the Sky Channel programme ‘Rugby Sensor’. He says that this programme is a relaxed show which centres on interviews with rugby players and people involved in the sport.

When asked if he was enjoying his first trip to the Cook Islands, Kronfeld grinned saying that he has in fact been visiting Rarotonga for nearly 16 years.

“I think the island is more stunning than I’ve seen it before,” says Kronfeld.

“It seems to be more clean and green.”

He says that he is looking forward to tonight’s sports awards.

“I’ll talk about a few events in my life that were poignant and what helped mature me as a good player.”

“There’ll be some funny stories and some serious stuff as well.”

Kronfeld will also share some words of wisdom for local up and coming sports stars and the youth of the Cook Islands.

In the meantime Kronfeld and his young family will lap up the Raro sun, surf and hospitality. - MW