BJ Watling has been appointed the next Black Caps batting coach, replacing Luke Ronchi at the end of the Test series against India in early December.
The former Black Caps wicketkeeper-batter and current Northern Districts men’s head coach will join the support staff on November 16 and complete a transition period with Ronchi, before taking over the role when the side heads to Australia for a four-Test series.
Watling played 178 first class matches for the Black Caps, Northern Districts, and Durham, finishing his career with over 10,000 runs, 18 centuries, and 450 catches.
Since his international retirement in 2021, Watling has coached the Wellington Firebirds and Northern Districts men, the latter having won the Super Smash in 2025-26 and the Plunket Shield in 2024-25, both under his reign.
Watling expressed his eagerness to return to the Black Caps environment.
“I’m incredibly excited,” Watling 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.”
Test captain Tom Latham said Watling will seamlessly fit into the coaching staff, and he personified what it means to be a Black Cap.
“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 in his coaching style."
The Black Caps start their white-ball series against India on October 22 in Christchurch.
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