The Seattle Seawolves have signed former Rugby United New York forwards coach, Kees Lensing, as head coach for the 2020 Major League Rugby season. 

“Kees will help us maintain our leadership position within the league both on and off the field,” said President and Owner Shane Skinner. “We are excited to have him join our family.”

Hailing from Namibia, Lensing has coached and played on six different continents and played as a professional for the Northern Free State Griffons and the Eastern Province Kings.

In 2002, he was selected to play for the Namibian national team and was the team's starting loosehead prop in the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

Lensing signed with the Vodacom Blue Bulls in Super Rugby in 2004, playing 47 matches in two years for them. During that time he helped the Bulls win the Currie Cup. He then moved to the United Kingdom to play a season for Yorkshire Carnegie, then returned to South Africa and Super Rugby to play three seasons for the Sharks in 2006. 

Lensing then returned to the Namibian national team, where he led the team as captain in the 2007 Rugby World Cup. In 2008, Lensing moved to France to play three seasons for Castres Olympique. He continued playing for the Namibian national team but retired from international rugby after he helped them qualify for the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup with 24 test matches played.  

“Our scrum and Seawall defense were pivotal in our back-to-back title success," said Adrian Balfour, Seattle Seawolves Board Member and General Manager. "Bringing in a coach who understands the cultural aspects of the international game and how to maximize a dominant scrum and game-winning defense will be essential in our pursuit for a third championship."

Lensing transitioned to coaching in 2011, coaching for the Investec International Rugby Academy in South Africa and then becoming head coach of the Limpopo Bulls’ U21 side and the Blue Bulls’ Tuks Rugby Academy.

His coaching won attention from the Canon Eagles in the Japanese Top League, and in 2015, Lensing signed on as their scrum, defense, and breakdown coach for three seasons. After that he joined Major League Rugby, coaching Rugby United New York.

RUNY's inaugural season was an unmitigated success despite several organizational and front-office challenges. RUNY made the semifinals in MLR, as the team tied with the San Diego Legion for least points conceded, and was top two in winning mauls, winning rucks, and winning lineouts.

But friction between ownership and coaches—despite the obvious success of the small RUNY coaching staff—made it clear that the coaches would be moving on. Lensing has landed comfortably on his feet with Seattle.

He brings a player-centered coaching style and emphasis on technical skills to the reigning champions.

“The Seawolves are the best team in this North American league and when I came to Seattle for the game against RUNY, I was impressed that Seattle had the loudest and most enthusiastic supporters in the competition,” said Lensing. “Being at Starfire reminded me of when I played for the Bulls with a full stadium of fans supporting back in South Africa. I felt it definitely made a difference in the game and I wanted to be a part of that energy.”