Watling steps up as new Black Caps batting coach
BJ Watling has been confirmed as Black Caps batting coach, replacing Luke Ronchi at the end of the Test series against India in early December.
The former wicketkeeper-batter and current Northern Districts Men’s Head Coach will join the support staff on November 16 and complete a transition period with incumbent Luke Ronchi, before taking over the role when the side heads to Australia for a four-Test series.
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Watling was revered for his rearguard abilities as a stubborn lower-middle order batter, scoring a New Zealand record of nearly 3400 Test runs as a wicketkeeper.
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 New Zealand domestic teams 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 BLACKCAPS environment.
“I’m incredibly excited,” he 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.”
New Zealand Cricket Chief High Performance Officer Daryl Gibson said Watling had all the credentials needed to excel in his new role.
“BJ has proven himself in a coaching capacity with recent stints at Wellington and Northern Districts and he has excellent relationships with many of the current squad,” said Gibson.
“He’s comfortably one of the most respected modern BLACKCAPS and his approach to his playing career is synonymous with the identity of the side.
“We’re very excited for him to start with what will be a massive few months of cricket for the Black Caps.”
Test captain Tom Latham said Watling will fit in seamlessly.
“BJ is a guy who personified what it means to be a Black Caps, so having someone like him come back into the group will be great for our environment.
“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.”
