03 Apr, 2025 | 06:07 PM

Rob Walter has officially stepped down as South Africa's white-ball coach, signaling a shift in his coaching career towards his adopted home, New Zealand. Walter’s departure comes after a successful tenure with the Proteas, where he led the team to the T20 World Cup final and the semi-finals of both the ODI World Cup and the Champions Trophy.

Sources close to the situation have revealed that Walter is being considered for a role within the New Zealand men's cricket team. His potential appointment is contingent on the future of current head coach Gary Stead, whose contract concludes in June 2025. Stead, who has been at the helm since 2018, remains New Zealand's top choice for the role, with his deal renewed twice, most recently in July 2023.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has previously explored the idea of a split coaching role, though they favored a single coach during a period of consistent player availability across formats. However, the landscape has shifted with key players like Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, and Lockie Ferguson opting for franchise cricket over central contracts. Additionally, the captaincy has been divided between Tom Latham (Test) and Mitchell Santner (white-ball), raising the likelihood of a split coaching structure.

Walter’s coaching journey began with the Titans in South Africa, followed by a successful stint with Otago and later Central Stags in New Zealand’s domestic circuit. His tenure with the Proteas was marked by notable achievements, including becoming the first South African coach to guide the team to a World Cup final. Despite this, his bilateral record faced criticism, and issues surrounding team transformation and travel demands, particularly to and from New Zealand, influenced his decision to resign.

Walter’s family, including his two young sons, resides in New Zealand, where he has lived since 2016. His resignation from Cricket South Africa (CSA), despite being contracted until the 2027 ODI World Cup, came as a surprise to the board. However, CSA acknowledged the opportunity Walter had abroad.

With CSA set to meet next week to determine the process for appointing Walter’s successor, Shukri Conrad is the frontrunner to take over, potentially reinstating an all-format coaching system for South Africa.

As New Zealand Cricket considers its next steps, Walter’s expertise could soon be a key asset in shaping the future of the Black Caps.