LESLEY McKENZIE

In three words

Curious. Determined. Optimistic.

Playing CV

The former hooker played in two World Cups for her native Canada, in 2006 and 2010. She won 25 caps in all and played the majority of her club rugby for Meraloma and UBCOB Ravens. She also had a stint in New Zealand in 2008.

Coaching background

The 41-year-old jokes that she has stuck to the Pacific Rim in her coaching career. She started at her old uni team, UBC Thunderbirds, in 2008 before moving to NZ six years later to work as a rugby development officer. Next she headed to Japan and became assistant coach of the women’s sevens team in 2018 before taking on the head coach role of the 15s side the following year.

What she’s known for

McKenzie has a checklist for all the teams she coaches – honesty, bravery and joy. She wants clear, transparent messaging, players to work hard physically in training and games, and for everyone to enjoy themselves when they can.

Who’s on her team

There is plenty of Test pedigree in this back-room team. McKenzie is assisted by former Scotland back Louise Dalgliesh, whose focus is skills and attack, and ex-Wallaby captain Ben Mowen, while Aya Nakajima played as a lock at RWC 2017 and is going as a coach intern this year. Wataru Hiramatsu, who is part of the Suntory men’s staff, is their lead S&C coach.

Biggest achievement

Their first-ever victory over Ireland in late August was significant. Not only did they bounce back from a heavy defeat the previous week, but they convincingly beat a team then ranked sixth in the world and one known for physicality 29-10.