Former Namibian Prop Joins Rugby United New York Coaching Staff

Rugby United New York has announced the signing of Forwards Coach Kees Lensing for the 2019 Major League Rugby Season.

Lensing, born in Namibia, spent the past three seasons as the Forwards Coach with the Japanese Top League’s Cannon Eagles.

Lensing started his playing career in 1999 with the Northern Free State Griffons, in South Africa. In 2002, he made his debut for the Namibian national team, and was the first choice loose-head prop in the 2003 Rugby World Cup. Lensing then moved to the Blue Bulls in 2004. After two seasons, he moved to England to play for Yorkshire Carnegie, formerly known as Leeds Tykes. He spent one season with the club, was then recruited by the Sharks of Super Rugby, and made his return to South Africa.

Lensing continued to shine for the Namibian national team, and served as their captain for the 2007 Rugby World Cup, marking his second trip to the quadrennial competition. After a strong tournament, he moved to France to play for the Top 14 side Castres Olympique. He continued his impressive form, and Lensing helped the Namibian national team qualify for the 2011 Rugby World Cup before announcing his retirement as a player due to injury.

Lensing transitioned into a coaching career in 2013 as the Forwards Coach for the Limpopo Bulls’ Under 21 Team, a subsect of the Blue Bulls’ franchise, also acting as Head Coach for the Blue Bulls’ Tuks Rugby Academy. He still serves as a consultant for those teams in various capacities. In 2014, Lensing signed on to be the Forwards Coach for the Investec International Rugby Academy, also in South Africa.

His strong coaching ability, and unique motivational tactics garnered attention from the Cannon Eagles, of the Japanese Top League. In 2015, he signed on to be the Forwards Coach, specializing in scrums, defense, and the breakdown. In 2015, he helped the Eagles place 6th out of 16 teams in the Top League.

Kees joins a coaching staff comprised of Head Coach Mike Tolkin and General Manager James English. Everyone from Rugby United New York looks forward to welcoming Kees and his wife to the organization.

Full story via:  rugbyunitedny.com