New Zealander · Dunedin, New Zealand · Born 12 July 1975New Zealand flanker whose exceptional openside play, outstanding work rate and brilliant performances during the All Blacks' dominant run of the late 1990s made him one of the finest opensides New Zealand has produced.
Josh Kronfeld was New Zealand's dynamic openside flanker throughout the mid-1990s, a ceaseless ball-winner and brilliant defensive player whose exceptional athleticism and work rate were central to the All Blacks' success. His partnership with Zinzan Brooke in the loose forwards was one of New Zealand rugby's most dynamic in the 1990s.
Being widely regarded as one of the finest openside flankers in rugby history and a cornerstone of the All Blacks pack during the 1990s.
How They Played
Kronfeld was renowned for his exceptional skills at the breakdown, where his speed to the ball and ability to win turnovers made him one of the most effective opensides in world rugby. He possessed outstanding fitness levels and work rate, covering every blade of grass during matches. His low body position and technical proficiency at rucks and mauls, combined with his pace around the field, made him a constant threat to opposition possession.
Lasting Impact
Kronfeld set the standard for modern openside flanker play and influenced a generation of loose forwards with his breakdown techniques and fitness standards.
Career Honours
- Rugby World Cup Winner 1995
- Rugby World Cup Runner-Up 1999
- Tri Nations Winner 1996
- Tri Nations Winner 1997
- Tri Nations Winner 1999
- Super Rugby Champion 1996 (Blues)
- Super Rugby Champion 1997 (Blues)
- Super Rugby Champion 1998 (Blues)
- New Zealand Sevens representative
| Club | Period | Apps | Tries | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlanders | 1996–2000 | 56 | 0 | #7 |
| Otago | 1988–2000 | 142 | — | #7 |
| Leicester Tigers | 2000–2002 | — | — | — |
 New Zealand | — | 54 | 16 | — |
New Zealander Athletes