Kennett plays 250th game for College Old Boys

COB rugby player Corey Kennett played his 250th club rugby game for his club this month.

Corey Kennett notched up his 250th rugby game playing for Levin College Old Boys this month.

College Old Boys president Phil Benefield said Kennett's 250th game in the club jersey was an outstanding achievement and one to be proud of.

"Corey has been an inspirational player for our club and he is brilliant at passing on his extensive knowledge of the game to the younger players in the club.

"His longevity in the game is a tribute to his fitness, professionalism and pure love for the game of rugby."

Kennett joined Levin College Old Boys Rugby Club in the late 1980s after leaving Waiopehu College, playing for the COB Under 20 team before making the Premier team. Kennett was also a NZ Colts (Under 21) triallist in 1991.

He was part of the team to win the club's first championship in 29 years, in 1993, captaining the side the following year to back-to-back titles, and it wasn't long before the open side flanker was selected for the Horowhenua Kapiti Heartland representative team.

He went on to become the most capped COB representative player with 56 appearances for his province from 1991 to 1995, and helped Horowhenua Kapiti secure the Third Division Championship in 1993.

While playing a season for Massey University, he was selected for the 1996 NZ University team for South Africa for the Students World Cup. The team lost to France in the semi-final.

However, the lure of paid play saw Kennett leave for Scotland, followed by two years in France and 10 in England, playing and coaching before returning to NZ in 2006.

Picking up his COB jersey again in 2007, Kennett's rugby career has spanned 40 consecutive seasons since first running onto the paddock as a four year old.

One of the highlights has been playing alongside his eldest son Nick in COB Senior Reserves games and coaching his two younger sons, who also play for the club.

Benefield said Kennett is known for his leadership, strong tackling and an eye for the try line.

"He's a hard man. I remember in 1993 he had foam padding around his chest because he was playing with cracked ribs. Even now he's playing with a duff shoulder that will need surgery. He's making the most of it while he can."