Michael Klinger Joins Welsh Fire Women as Head Coach, Oversees Recruitment

Michael Klinger has been appointed as the head coach of the Welsh Fire women's cricket team for the 2026 The Hundred season, signing a two-year contract. Alongside coaching, he will take on a senior management role overseeing recruitment for both the men's and women's teams, working alongside General Manager Mark Wallace. Klinger retains his position as Director of Cricket at Washington Freedom in Major League Cricket (MLC), highlighting strengthened ties between Glamorgan County Cricket Club and Washington Freedom following a partial acquisition of Welsh Fire by Freedom's owner, Sanjay Govil. Former coach Gareth Breese will continue as assistant coach, while Mike Hussey remains head coach of the men's team. Klinger brings extensive coaching experience, having led Manchester Originals Women in 2025 and held coaching roles with Gujarat Giants in the Women's Premier League, Melbourne Renegades, and Sydney Thunder. He expressed enthusiasm for combining coaching with strategic responsibilities and strengthening connections between Welsh Fire and Washington Freedom.