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Sport Nation
Find your frequency here‘Super privileged’: New innings for the Blackcaps under coach Rob Walter
Kieran Bingham • June 6th, 2025 3:30 pm
Rob Walter | Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Blackcaps have a new head coach who will face a new era of transition and opportunity.
First reported by Sport Nation, Rob Walter was confirmed in the role this morning, taking over from Gary Stead after a tenure that delivered New Zealand’s most successful decade in international cricket.
Walter arrives with strong credentials, having guided South Africa’s white-ball teams to a World Cup semi-final and final in back-to-back years. He now takes charge across all three formats, starting with next month’s T20 tri-series against Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Speaking on Mornings with Ric & Chappy on Sport Nation, Walter admitted the next three years are like nothing the team has seen before.
“It’s an unprecedented period for the Blackcaps,” he said. “Such an amazing time to be part of it. I feel super privileged to have been given this opportunity.”
Pressed on what excites him most, Walter said it was hard to single anything out.
“There are so many things that need to be ticked off from a Blackcaps point of view. I have no doubt the team will be just as excited as I am about the opportunities ahead.”
Walter inherits a side that has been among the best in the world over the past decade, but also one in transition. Tim Southee and Trent Boult have already stepped away from full-time international duty. Kane Williamson’s future remains uncertain. Walter said planning for what comes next was a major focus during his hiring process.
“You don’t replace those players overnight. And in essence, I don’t think you ever do. It’s just finding different ways to fill what they leave behind.”
He credited the Blackcaps environment for staying competitive through change.
“That’s the strength of a good culture. The challenge now is to keep building on that. Replace the role, not the person.”
Walter confirmed that assistant coaches Luke Ronchi and Jacob Oram are likely to stay on, with both under contract and well respected by the squad.
“For me, it’s about getting to work with them, understanding how they operate, and learning from what they’ve already built. It’s a strong starting point.”
Unlike his most recent role in South Africa, where coaching responsibilities were split by format, Walter will have full oversight. He believes that structure suits New Zealand’s setup.
“With the league pull on players and the inevitable rotation, having one person overseeing that process helps create consistency in leadership and messaging.”
One of the biggest issues he’ll face is player availability. With global T20 leagues offering increasingly lucrative alternatives, national sides like New Zealand can’t always rely on having their best talent available.
Walter said the key is not to resist change but to work with it.
“You’re shooting yourself in the foot if you try to resist what’s clearly happening. There’s no black-and-white answer. The key is evolving quickly.”
While acknowledging New Zealand can’t match the money on offer overseas, Walter said there are other ways to
make the Blackcaps environment attractive.
“We can’t offer the same money. That’s just the reality. But we can offer purpose. A strong team culture. Something that feels like home.”
He knows it won’t be easy, but he’s optimistic.
“The Blackcaps are the key person in this relationship. We can’t afford to lose good players, and we don’t have to, if we get this right.”
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Walter’s first assignment comes in July, with a tri-series and Test tour in Zimbabwe. From there, the path builds quickly toward 2026, when New Zealand will co-host a T20 World Cup.
Listen to the full interview:
