New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has roped in Rob Walter as the new head coach of the men’s national team, ending Gary Stead’s seven year stint in the role.
Stead, who took over in 2018, guided New Zealand to the World Test Championship (WTC) title in 2021 and the finals of the 2019 ODI World Cup, 2021 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy.
Though Stead himself announced his intention to relinquish New Zealand’s white-ball coaching, he wanted to continue with his role in the Test format. This did not align with New Zealand Cricket’s thinking as they wanted an all-format coach, ultimately leading to the appointment of Walter.
A New Chapter in New Zealand Cricket With Rob Walter at the Helm
Walter's appointment is notable not just because he’s from South Africa, but because he has a genuine connection with New Zealand. He stays in Hawke’s Bay in New Zealand along with his family.
He has coached in the country before, having spent time with Otago Volts and Central Stags. His work with the Central Stags helped them clinch both the Ford Trophy and Plunket Shield during the 2022-23 season.
More recently, Walter made headlines as South Africa’s white-ball coach. He led the Proteas to the semi-finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup and guided them to the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup, two high-pressure campaigns that reinforced his reputation as a level-headed leader.
Walter’s stint with South Africa ended in April this year with admiration from players who appreciated his calm coaching style.
Walter will now coach New Zealand across formats. His first assignment? New Zealand’s tour of Zimbabwe in July. It will offer an early glimpse into how Walter plans to mold this Kiwi team.
Rob Walter Eager to Start His Coaching Stint with New Zealand
Walter sounded both excited and grounded when reacting to his new job.
"The Blackcaps have been a successful and highly-regarded team on the world scene for some time now and it's a real privilege to be given the chance to add to that. It's an amazing opportunity to work with such a talented group of players and support staff through a period of time in which so many global events, as well as massive bilateral series, will be contested. I just can't wait to get started. It's exciting, it's challenging, and the opportunity is enormous for everyone," Walter was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
In a statement, NZC CEO Scott Weenink said:
"Rob is a world-class coach with an outstanding pedigree. His success in New Zealand's domestic game, combined with his recent achievements on the global stage with South Africa, makes him the ideal candidate to lead the Blackcaps. We're excited to welcome Rob back home to guide our team through an exciting and challenging period, including three major ICC events."
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