Psychologist-turned-coach to lead Breakers into new era after Ruth Preddy Cup triumph
Peter Clarke has been appointed as the new head coach of the NSW Breakers on a three-year deal, bringing a fresh leadership vision ahead of the 2025/26 domestic season.
The appointment comes after a successful yet transitional 2024/25 campaign for the Breakers, who secured their 21st Ruth Preddy Cup title despite the mid-season departure of former head coach Gavan Twining to the national setup.
Elite performance background and player development expertise
Clarke joins the Breakers with a decorated background in elite cricket environments. Over the past eight years, he served as psychologist for the Australian women’s team, while also working with the Australian men’s program and national pathways for both male and female athletes.
His dual focus on performance psychology and player development has made him a highly regarded figure in the high-performance cricket landscape. Clarke previously spent nearly a decade at the University of Queensland, where he led the men’s first grade team as head coach and Director of Cricket before stepping down in 2024 due to touring responsibilities.
Peter Clarke: “An honour to join a team that sets the benchmark”
Clarke expressed enthusiasm about leading the Breakers and shaping the future of the women’s game in New South Wales:
“I’m humbled and grateful for the opportunity to join the Breakers. I love Australian women’s cricket, and to get to work with the team who have traditionally been the benchmark for women’s cricket in this country is not something I take for granted.
“Together as a staff and playing group, I’d like to see the Breakers program be universally recognised as world class in the way we prepare, perform, and carry ourselves off the field. We have the resources and people to build a program that is innovative, forward thinking and fosters sustained success.”
Leah Poulton: “His unique perspective will be incredibly valuable”
Cricket NSW’s Head of Female Elite Cricket, Leah Poulton, said Clarke’s skillset complements the team’s ambition to remain a powerhouse in Australian domestic cricket:
“We’re thrilled to welcome Pete to the Breakers. He brings a wealth of experience in high performance environments, both as a psychologist and a coach, and that unique perspective will be incredibly valuable.”
Poulton added that the appointment is aligned with the Breakers’ strategic vision to create a world-class environment for athlete development on and off the field.
