Rob Walter, the former white-ball coach of South Africa, has been named the new head coach for the New Zealand men’s cricket team across all formats for the next three years.
At 49 years old, Walter was a top choice after leaving his position with South Africa, even though he had over two years left on his contract with Cricket South Africa.
He guided South Africa to the semi-finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy, as well as reaching the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup.
While coaching in South Africa, Walter’s family stayed in New Zealand, where they built their life in Hawke’s Bay. Before this role, he had successful head coaching positions with Otago Volts and Central Stags in New Zealand’s domestic cricket.
In the 2022-23 season, he led the Stags to win titles in both the Ford Trophy and the Plunket Shield. Additionally, Walter took charge of New Zealand A during a tour of India in 2022 and has also worked as an assistant coach in the IPL.
His achievements in New Zealand’s domestic cricket, along with his recent successes with South Africa internationally, make him the perfect choice to lead the Blackcaps.
“We’re thrilled to have Rob return home to steer our team during this exciting and challenging time, which includes three big ICC events.”
Walter will step into his new role in mid-June, just before New Zealand’s tour of Zimbabwe in July.
