Racing
League
Rugby
Football
Cricket
Golf
Sport Nation
Motorsport
Netball
Basketball
Combat Sports
Olympics
Other Sports
Live sport on SN this weekendBen Sawyer departs White Ferns ahead of Australia tour
Sport Nation • September 18th, 2026 3:29 pm
Ben Sawyer | Photo: Photosport
New Zealand Cricket has announced the immediate departure of White Ferns head coach Ben Sawyer after four years in the role.
Sawyer’s contract, that was due to expire in December 2026, has not been extended following a comprehensive review of NZC’s women’s high-performance structure.
An interim head coach and team manager will travel to Australia next month for the T20 series, with recruitment for new staff to commence shortly after.
Sawyer was first appointed in June 2022, which was quickly followed by bronze medal at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games and New Zealand’s first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup victory in Dubai.
White Ferns lifting the T20 World Cup trophy in 2024 | Photo: Isuru Sameera Peiris/Photosport
Sawyer said it was a privilege to have led the White Ferns.
"Being the White Ferns coach has been a huge honour and I’m really grateful to have had the opportunity to lead this group.
“This team means a lot to me and I’m really proud of what we’ve been able to achieve in the past four years.
“Although I’m disappointed to be leaving, I want to wish the team and NZC all the best."
NZC’s Chief High Performance Cricket Officer Daryl Gibson said Sawyer had made a great contribution.
“Ben’s overseen a period of considerable change and progression for the White Ferns and we’re deeply appreciative of the commitment, professionalism and time he invested in the women’s game.”
Gibson said the White Ferns programme had entered a natural transition phase.
“It was a difficult decision which was not made lightly, but it reflects our view that the next stage of the White Ferns journey requires a different leadership approach to support the future direction of the programme.”
White Ferns captain Melie Kerr | Photo: Marty Melville/Photosport
White Ferns captain Melie Kerr reflected fondly on Sawyer’s term as coach.
“We’re hugely grateful for Ben and everything he’s put into this team.”
“His preparation was second to none, he poured his heart and soul into the role and left no stone unturned trying to make the team better.
"Ben played a huge part in a defining moment for women’s cricket in New Zealand. He showed a belief in us that helped propel the team to World Cup victory after a difficult few months and that’s a testament to his character and leadership.”
Plimmer's mammoth over sparks the White Ferns! | Cricket Nation
