Besties… this one is truly special. 🩷

This week on Bestie Boos, we’re joined by Kendra Cocksedge. Kenj is a Black Ferns legend, trailblazer of women’s rugby, and one of the most respected leaders New Zealand sport has ever seen.

Kenj reflects on her incredible career in the black jersey, what it meant to represent Aotearoa on the world stage, and the legacy of the Black Ferns — from the pressure of elite performance to the pride, responsibility, and sisterhood that comes with wearing that jersey.

But this conversation goes far beyond rugby.

Kendra bravely opens up about one of the most devastating moments of her life: the loss of her nephew Jordy while she was overseas on tour. We talk honestly about navigating grief from afar, being expected to keep performing while your world has stopped, and how loss can fundamentally change how you view success, purpose, and identity.

She shares the support that carried her through, how she learned to hold grief alongside ambition, and what stepping into life beyond elite sport has looked like for her.

This episode is powerful, emotional, and deeply human — a reminder that even legends are navigating heartbreak, growth, and change behind the scenes.

Pop your headphones in, besties. This one will stay with you. 🎧✨

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Sam Baxter & Sarah Direen. Two besties (& mums) from Aotearoa, New Zealand — an unfiltered podcast with hot takes, real talk and laughs about our lives, our friendship and pop culture.

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Spread the word, besties xoxo 💕