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Watling returns to Blackcaps as batting coach
Sport Nation • October 8th, 2026 8:24 am
BJ Watling (left) and Kane Williamson hold the World Test Championship Mace | Photo: Photosport
Former Blackcaps wicketkeeper and current Northern Districts head coach BJ Watling will succeed Luke Ronchi as the side's batting coach, New Zealand Cricket has announced.
Watling, who represented New Zealand on 108 occasions, will join the Blackcaps camp on November 16, taking over the batting reins ahead of the Test series against Australia.
Ronchi will continue as the side's batting coach until the end of the India series, which starts on October 22 at Christchurch's Hagley Oval.
The 41-year-old coached Wellington before leading Northern Districts to a Plunket Shield title in 2025 and a Super Smash victory earlier in 2026.
The Blackcaps celebrate their Test series win over England | Photo: Matthew Impey/Photosport
“I’m incredibly excited,” the former wicket-keeper said.
“To come back into the team and work with this current group is a special opportunity and one I don’t take lightly.
“What this side and the support staff have achieved together over recent years has been remarkable, so I’m looking forward to contributing to a world-class side.”
Blackcaps Test captain Tom Latham said Watling's appointment was not a surprise.
“BJ is a guy who personified what it means to be a Black Cap, so having someone like him come back into the group will be great for our environment,” Latham added.
“There was never any doubt about his effort and determination every time he stepped onto the field, and I’m sure that same attitude will translate into his coaching style.”
Watling made 18 centuries across 178 first-class appearances, scoring over 10,000 runs.
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