His rugby knowledge, a passion for life, (just like his compatriot Pat Howard), and approachability has made into one of Leicester's crowd favourites, as well as being TT's special pop star. A top bloke, both on-and-off the pitch, TigersTart takes a much closer look at what contributes to making Kronfeld the "greatest flanker".

Josh Kronfeld

Details
Nicknames: Joshie-baby, JK
DOB: 20 June 1971
Position: Openside Flanker
Height: 6' 1" (1.85 cm)
Weight: 15st 11lbs (100kg)
App: 18 + 5 (2 tries) [to 18/10/02]
Previous sides: Otago NPC, Highlanders (NZ), Leicester
Caps: New Zealand (54)

Early years
Educated at Hastings Boys High School and Otago University, Josh flirted between scrum-half and centre positions before settling on openside flanker. Combined with his rugby career, typified by Kronfeld's energy and enthusiasm for the game, he gained two degrees and challenged all of that knowledge into being a physical education teacher in Dunedin.

1992 saw Josh make his debut for Otago XV. Kronfeld swiftly moved onto the The Otago Highlanders and played for them for the following 5 seasons in the prestigious Super-12 competition. Kronfeld's exemplify record saw him start 36 out of 37 Super-12 games between 1998-2000.

New Zealand
All Black recognition was difficult at first, as Josh had to prove to Manager John Hart that he was the best openside in the country to take up the mantle, as No.7 was a hotly contested position. Following in the footsteps of his great Uncles, David and Frank Solomon, who played for New Zealand in the 1930s, Kronfeld first wore the Silver Fern in the 1995 Test match against Canada.

In the greatest rugby nation, it is a big honour to get selected for the national team. Josh's loyalty to the side was shown when, along with teammate Jeff Wilson, he was the first to sign with the NZ RFU during their World Cup wrangles. Openside flanker encompasses all of Josh's talents, as it is a very dynamic position. Kronfeld is the link between the pack and the backs and is a prime example of one of the most talented players in that position.

His ability to break the defensive line, turn over the ball and put his body on the line contributed to a successful All Blacks career and being voted the best openside and one of Australia's Top 10 sportspeople in the World in 1998. Josh also brought to the national side his ubiquitousness, enthusiasm for the spirit for the game and a wrath of rugby experience.

Kronfeld's All Blacks career totalled 54 appearances, including many games in the Tri-Nations series that were always hotly contested and two World Cup campaigns in 1995 and 1999. Josh's statistics are impressive: 1995 - 7 app and 3 tries; 1996 – 10 app and 2 tries; 1997 – 12 app and 4 tries; 1998 – 6 app and 2 tries; 1999 - 11 app and 1 try and 2000 - 7 app and 2 tries.

Tigers
Josh joined Tigers in the summer of 2001 as New Zealand’s most capped flanker. Kronfeld's first season saw him make 15 appearances, as well as 5 as replacement, and he scored 2 tries. Along the way Kronfeld experienced some injuries. Josh commented that "enjoyment is the whole reason for playing….if I didn't enjoy it I wouldn't play…I've got lots of other interesting things I could be doing" and that's what Kronfeld's philosophy is all about.. Josh's most dynamic performance, where he led the pack, was away at Saracens in the 2001-2002 season.

In what can only be described a monumentus game, Tigers needed a good victory against their London based rivals. This game was ecstasy and heaven, as Kronfeld had the match of his life. Tries galore and Goode on target with the boot saw Leicester get the ball over the defensive line and Josh run all over the park, earning a man-of-the-match award.

Looking at a northern hemisphere set-up through southern hemispheres eyes, Josh has said that the unit at Leicester is a lot different than back at home, as "the main difference is the coaching set-up is unusual but it definitely works for Leicester...the manager makes the call on picking the team and pretty much leaves the coaching to the coaching staff...at home out manager organisers everything but doesn't pick the team – we would normally have a 3rd selector."

Speculation has been growing as to the future of Kronfeld at Leicester, who has made 3 first team appearances this season, but Manager Dean Richards settled the debate, as he said that "Josh is playing for Leicester and I can't see him moving in the near future". Josh seems to be settled in Leicester and enjoys playing for a team that are the best bunch of players he’s worked with, so perhaps Richards will move him off the bench and onto the pitch.

Off the field
Josh's talents on the pitch are equally matched by his zest for life off the pitch. Adrenaline junkie, surf addict, music-loving harmonica player, artist and flyer. Josh has grasped life in full throttle.

Lewis Moody and Geordan Murphy may be your ideal hosts as housemates, as they would be able to dish up a nice fish pie, but move over Nigella Lawson as Kronfeld is the new domestic goddess. Josh is very hot in the kitchen, as it’s all round to his for bangers and mash accompanied by a wine sauce!

Kronfeld tells it straight in his book "On the Loose" about the fame, passion and money that go side by side with rugby. Josh said "Sport, like so much else, is play to me...from as far back as I can remember I have been the rugby playing equivalent of a kleptomaniac. Meaning I love to steal the ball, pick it up and run and pass it." Josh focused on the satisfaction that he has achieved, both on and off the pitch, the obstacles he has overcome and how he finds new challenges to face.

Josh has jammed with the Midge Marsden Band at various Walkabouts in London and has also done some harmonica sessions at the Walkabout, Leicester and at the Tigers clubhouse. A natural player, he is a mean performer! Acting as Kronfeld's official groupie started at the Healey v Justin Harrison Q&A session at the Walkabout, continued at the Quinnell & Johnson Q&A at the Walkabout and at the play-off game against Bristol at the Tigers clubhouse – at all venues he received a rapturous reception. It's not everyday that a talented performer can entertain you!

Kronfeld is set to be part of the Walkabout's events leading up to England’s autumn internationals, as the Shepherds Bush pub will be hosting rugby evenings with guest appearances by players, including Josh. Hopefully, this will be extended around the country.

Very much his own man, Josh could at times be perceived as the loner and outsider, as he warms up and trains by himself, and does not gather in the team huddle. Tigers have been touched by his greatness but have not allowed this to flourish, as he has not been picked on consecutive weekends.

A keen crowd favourite, a team player (as he has said that he loves working with the boys) and with a rugby knowledge to die for, Josh is suited to the Tigers style of play and for fulfilling his pedigree, as well as delighting the fans with his jamming sessions!

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