Shane Jurgensen Appointed as Firebirds Head Coach

Cricket Wellington is excited to announce the appointment of Shane Jurgensen as the Firebirds Head Coach on a multi-year contract beginning after the ODI World Cup in November, through to April 2027. Jurgensen joins an established Firebirds coaching staff, which includes specialist batting coach Mohit Rao and specialist pace bowling coach Azhar Abbas.

Jurgensen has a wealth of coaching experience at the highest level, serving as Blackcaps Assistant and Bowling Coach since 2016. He played a pivotal role in the team's success over the last several years and will be a valuable addition to a strong Firebirds coaching staff. In 13 games as Blackcaps Head Coach, Jurgensen led the Blackcaps to 11 victories.

Bruce Edgar, Director of Cricket at Cricket Wellington, said Jurgensen will be an outstanding asset to the team. “We are thrilled to have Shane on board with a long-term deal. His resume speaks for itself and he’s a well-respected name in coaching circles both here in New Zealand and around the world,” said Edgar. “The Firebirds are lucky to have Shane leading a new era of cricket here in the capital”.

The newly appointed Head Coach possesses an extensive coaching background, which also includes his tenure as Head Coach of the Bangladesh Men's National Cricket Team, the Fiji National Cricket Teams, the men's New Zealand A team, and the Rangpur Riders of the Bangladesh Premier T20 League. Jurgensen's coaching experience extends to seven T20 World Cups, multiple ODI World Cups, and the World Test Championship, solidifying his credentials as a well-qualified and highly experienced coach.

“I’m looking forward to joining a young and exciting Firebirds team”, said Jurgensen. “Wellington has a great core of both promising young players and world-class veterans to build from, along with an excellent pathway system that is one of the best in the country. This is a unique opportunity to build a sustainably high-performing Firebirds team; I’m looking forward to joining up with the group.”

Jurgensen will assume his role as Head Coach on November 22, 2023, joining the Firebirds after his time with the Blackcaps during the ODI World Cup in India.

Having had a successful first-class cricket career in Australia, Jurgensen brings a deep understanding of the game and a wealth of knowledge to his coaching role. His appointment is a testament to the Firebirds' commitment to fostering excellence and nurturing talent within the team.

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For media enquiries please contact:

Alex Geenty

Digital Content Creator

alex@cricketwellington.co.nz | 02040984597

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