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“It wasn't a hard decision”: Simon inks record Black Ferns extension
Stephen Foote • July 16th, 2024 11:28 am
The Black Ferns have received a boost with news veteran forward Kennedy Simon has extended her contract with NZ Rugby through until the end of 2028.
The four-year recommitment is the longest by a Black Ferns player since professional contracts were introduced in 2018.
Since her 2019 debut, the loose forward has been a fixture in the Black Ferns pack, leading the team alongside fellow co-captain Ruahei Demant to World Cup glory on home soil in 2022. Her contribution was recognised by being named a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the Kings Honours.
The Chiefs Manawa skipper says her decision to remain in New Zealand was an easy one, with the opportunity to continue to improve and develop herself while leading the younger crop of talent, a chance too appealing to even consider turning down.
"It wasn't a hard decision," the 27-year-old told SENZ Breakfast.
"I love the black jersey and everything it stands for and I just want to have the ability to continue adding to the legacy."
The most alluring of those goals is next year's World Cup in England, where Simon aims to be at the forefront of the Black Ferns' quest to become back-to-back champions.
"I want to achieve a lot of great things in the black jersey. With the World Cup coming up next year, I have the ability to stay on that environment and try to earn the right to be a part of that campaign, while also having a secure future.
"It's my dream to ensure we leave the jersey in a better place for the next generation. There is plenty we can achieve together, and I can’t wait to continue to grow alongside my teammates and see what we can accomplish as a team."
Black Ferns director of rugby Allan Bunting says Simon's innate leadership qualities and relentless drive will be an integral part of the team's formula through the coming years.
"Kennedy is a special player who is an inspirational leader, with her 'follow me' style of leadership," Bunting said in a statement.
"She is a studious athlete who really supports the next players coming through and she has a ruthless mindset when she steps over the white line. These attributes will be an integral part of our future success as a team."
Fresh off their 62-0 demolition of Australia in Brisbane last weekend, the next - and much sterner - challenge for the Black Ferns awaits in their historic clash against England at London's iconic Twickenham Stadium in September.
The Ferns were comfortably dispatched 33-12 when they met in last year's WXV1 competition in Auckland and are desperate to right the ledger.
"It's going to be huge," Simon told host Israel Dagg. "We've just to be prepared for a big, passionate crowd."
Listen to the full interview:
