Blackcaps great BJ Watling has been named head coach of Wellington Firebirds' one-day and Twenty20 teams.
Last year, the former wicketkeeper-bastman hung up both sets of gloves, after a decorated 75-test career with New Zealand.
After chipping away at his coaching qualifications during the end of his playing days with the Blackcaps, Watling made his first foray into the coaching world with Northern Districts 'A' earlier this year.
He'll now take the reins in the capital for his first official head coaching position alongside world-renowned batting coach Toby Radford.
Watling will also join Bruce Edgar as support coach for the Firebirds in red ball cricket and offer specialist wicketkeeping coaching at all levels.
"I'm obviously pretty excited," said Watling. "This is a great opportunity for me and family.
"I've played against the Firebirds a fair bit in my time and, watching them over the past few seasons, I've certainly been impressed with the caliber of players they have and they're starting to produce Blackcaps regularly now, which is exciting.
"This is my first head coach role at this level, so there'll be plenty of challenges which is good, and '’m looking forward to working with a very talented group.
"I know Bruce (Edgar) well and he's a great coach with lots of experience, and I'll be leaning on him for support throughout the season. We've got a great support staff group so I'm looking forward to working and learning from them."
Cricket Wellington will confirm the appointment of a specialist bowling coach in the coming weeks.
