This weekend saw a significant milestone for Cotteloe’s Premiership Grade captain Kieran Stringer who took to the field for his 150th game in the Two Blue at Premiership grade. The momentous occasion was topped off by Kieran leading his side out at the Nest against Wests Scarborough and taking out an important win (29 to 28) to keep their finals hopes alive. The Cottesloe family celebrated the occasion with a big cheer squad on the sideline and presentation of a special trophy following the game to show appreciation of Kieran’s outstanding commitment to the club and the beautiful game of Rugby.

Kieran has played for Cottesloe since 2005 when he joined the U16s team, then playing in Colts grade. As a 17/18 year old he played State Schools and before long was being looked at as a Premier Grade player for Cottesloe. Over the next two years Kieran earned his Premiership grade debut and became a regular member of a strong first team, featuring strongly in the development of the club and playing in the 2009 Premiership winning side. Since that time Kieran has been a mainstay of the Cottesloe Premiership grade side, despite suffering several serious injuries that have stopped him achieving this milestone earlier.

Kieran is not the biggest guy going around but he never shirks contact and is the first guy to step in for a mate in need. He has developed a keen understanding of the game and his awareness of what is happening on the field is demonstrated by his high work rate and regularly finds his name at the top of the tackle and carry counts on any given match day.

Kieran has captained the Cottesloe Premiership team for the past 4 seasons and has become an exceptional leader, the type of guy his teammates want to follow. He was only 23 when he took on the role and has become a key lineout captain, not only for Cottesloe but also in the State. Kieran was the only non-contracted player to start in the 2016 Grand Final for the NRC, helping the team take home the Crown - a fantastic achievement!

What Cottesloe head coach Alex Stajka has to say about Kieran:
"Kieran is a fantastic leader of the team both on and off the field. His passion and love for Cottesloe RUFC can never be questioned and he shows this by putting his not so huge frame in the line of fire every week. Kieran has the respect of all those around him and earns the respect of everyone he plays against. He leaves everything he has on the field in every game. I have the upmost respect for Kieran and the way in which he leads the team; a true warrior on the field and a gentleman off it. A role model for any juniors wanting to progress with their rugby".

Some key facts:

Nickname: Kegga
Position: Lock, flanker
State Reps: RWA Academy, Perth Gold, Perth Spirit, Western Force A
Key Assets include: Prolific line out operator, willing ball carrier, game knowledge and awareness.

http://www.rugby.com.au/players/kieran-stringer#NRC

Written by Ian Fowler and Rachel Evans. Pictures of Kieran in action, courtesy of ‘True Spirit photos’.