Rob Walter grateful for 'amazing opportunity' after being named New Zealand head coach

Walter coached South Africa's white-ball teams for two years before resigning in April despite still having two years remaining on his contract.

He led the Proteas to the semi-finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy as well as the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Walter previously had head coaching stints with Otago Volts and Central Stags in New Zealand domestic cricket, leading the latter to Ford Trophy and the Plunket Shield success in the 2022-23 season.

His contract will see him coach the Black Caps across the next WTC cycle, the next ODI World Cup in 2027, the next two T20 World Cups in 2026 and 2028 as well as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

"The Black Caps 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," Walter said.

"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.

"I just can't wait to get started. It's exciting, it's challenging, and the opportunity is enormous for everyone."

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) chief executive Scott Weenink added: "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 Black Caps.

"We're excited to welcome Rob back home to guide our team through an exciting and challenging period, including three major ICC events."