New Zealand appoint new batting coach to replace Luke Ronchi
Devon Conway, Tom Latham (Source: X/@BLACKCAPS)
Published - 07 Oct 2026, 08:56 PM• Read time - 2 mins
New Zealand have appointed former wicketkeeper-batter BJ Watling as their new batting coach. The 41-year-old will replace Luke Ronchi following the conclusion of the two-match Test series against India at home.
Watling will join the team management a day after the end of the five-match ODI series between India and New Zealand on November 16 to "complete a transition period with incumbent Luke Ronchi before taking over the role when the side heads to Australia for a four-Test series."
Watling is delighted to return to the Blackcaps setup and is eager to contribute to the team's continued growth and development.
“I’m incredibly excited,” Watling said in a press release issued by the Blackcaps. “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 team.”
New Zealand Cricket Chief High Performance Officer Daryl Gibson believes Watling is the ideal person to step into Ronchi's shoes.
“BJ has proven himself as a coach through recent stints with Wellington and Northern Districts, and he has excellent relationships with many of the current squad members,” Gibson said.
“He is comfortably one of the most respected modern BLACKCAPS, and the approach he brought to his playing career is synonymous with the identity of this side.
“We’re very excited for him to begin what will be a massive few months of cricket for the BLACKCAPS.”
New Zealand Test captain Tom Latham believes Watling will bring the same tenacity to the dressing room that defined his playing career.
“BJ is a guy who personified what it means to be a BLACKCAP, so having someone like him return to the group will be great for our environment,” Latham said.
“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.”