New Zealand Cricket Seeks New Head Coach Across Formats

New Zealand Cricket has initiated a search for a new head coach to lead the Black Caps across all formats, deciding not to retain incumbent Gary Stead, who had been in charge since 2018 and stepped down from white ball formats earlier this year. The candidates expected to be interviewed include South African Rob Walter, former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond, and current assistants Luke Ronchi and Shane Jurgensen. Stead led the team to notable successes, including winning the inaugural World Test Championship and finishing as runners-up in the 2019 World Cup and the recent Champions Trophy. In football, former Celtic center-back Steven Pressley has been appointed head coach of Dundee FC, marking a return to coaching after time in talent management at Brentford. Additionally, West Bromwich Albion has hired Ryan Mason, former Hull City and Doncaster Rovers midfielder, as their new head coach, aiming to build a strong team identity and push for promotion. Meanwhile, Basingstoke Rugby Football Club has appointed Eric Liebenberg to oversee their men’s senior squads, focusing on player development pathways and aiming to strengthen the club’s competitive standing.