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NZC Replaces Outgoing Gary Stead With Rob Walter As New Zealand's Head Coach

Debashis Sarangi

NZ appoint Rob Walter as new head coach [Source: @BLACKCAPS/X]NZ appoint Rob Walter as new head coach [Source: @BLACKCAPS/X]

In a significant development, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has roped in Rob Walter as the new head coach of the men's cricket team. Recently, Gary Stead stepped down as the New Zealand head coach from all formats. 

Rob Walter Joins New Zealand As New Head Coach

After Stead left, New Zealand had a vacancy for the head coach position, which they now have filled by hiring Rob Walter. 

Walter has ample experience in cricket coaching, having mentored the Otago Volts and Central Stags in New Zealand's domestic circuit. 

He also served as South Africa's head coach in the recent past, helping them reach the semi-finals of the 2023 Cricket World Cup, the semi-finals of the 2025 Champions Trophy, and the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Considering South Africa performed admirably under Walter's guidance, NZC expects its national side to replicate a similar success during his tenure, which is effective from mid-June through to the conclusion of the 2028 T20 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. 

Thus, apart from guiding the BlackCaps in the World Test Championship cycles, Walter will supervise their preparations for the 2028 LA Olympics, the 2027 World Cup and the T20 World Cup editions in 2026 and 2028. 

“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," Rob Walter was quoted as saying by NZC.
"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," he added. 

Rob Walter's Performance As A Coach

Known for his excellent tactical acumen and man-management skills, Walter powered Otago Volts to the 2019-20 Super Smash playoffs before leading Central Stags to the Ford Trophy final in the 2021-22 season. 

He has also coached the New Zealand A side with distinction while playing the assistant coach's role for Pune Warriors and Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in the IPL.