New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has appointed Rob Walter as the new Head Coach of the BLACKCAPS, with his tenure officially beginning in mid-June and running through to the end of the 2028 ICC T20 World Cup in New Zealand and Australia.
Walter, originally from South Africa, brings extensive coaching experience and a deep understanding of the New Zealand domestic cricket scene. He resides in Hawke’s Bay with his family and has previously held head coach roles with both the Otago Volts and Central Stags.
Walter’s coaching pedigree spans domestic and international success
Most recently, Walter led South Africa’s men’s white-ball teams to major international success, including:
- Semi-finals at the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup
- Finals at the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup
- Semi-finals at the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy
His international coaching résumé is complemented by domestic success in New Zealand:
- Led Otago Volts to Super Smash play-offs in 2019–20 and Ford Trophy finals in 2018–19 and 2019–20
- Guided Central Stags to the 2021–22 Ford Trophy final and championship wins in both the 2022–23 Ford Trophy and Plunket Shield
Walter also coached the New Zealand A squad in India in 2022 and held assistant coach roles in the IPL with the Pune Warriors and Delhi Daredevils. He also served as Head Coach of South Africa’s Eastern Titans.
Overseeing a critical period in BLACKCAPS cricket
Walter’s coaching term includes a demanding slate of global tournaments and bilateral series, such as:
- 2026 ICC T20 World Cup
- 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup
- 2028 ICC T20 World Cup
- ICC World Test Championship cycle
- 2028 LA Olympic Games
He replaces Gary Stead, under whose leadership the BLACKCAPS enjoyed a successful era, including reaching the final of the 2019 Cricket World Cup and winning the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021.
Rob Walter said he was honoured to take on the role:
“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.”
NZC CEO Scott Weenink praised Walter’s appointment:
“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.”
Walter now returns to New Zealand cricket at a pivotal moment, tasked with leading a talented group through one of the most globally significant stretches in BLACKCAPS history.
