Former Blackcaps wicketkeeper-batter BJ Watling has been appointed New Zealand’s batting coach, taking over from Luke Ronchi at the conclusion of the Test series against India in early December.
Watling, who is currently Northern Districts Men’s Head Coach, will join the Blackcaps support staff on November 16. He will work alongside Ronchi during a transition period before officially taking over when New Zealand travels to Australia for a four-Test series.
Watling was known during his playing career for his resilience and ability to build important innings under pressure. As a wicketkeeper-batter, he scored nearly 3,400 Test runs for New Zealand, a national record for a wicketkeeper.
Across his first-class career with the Blackcaps, Northern Districts and Durham, Watling played 178 matches and finished with more than 10,000 runs, 18 centuries and 450 catches.
Since retiring from international cricket in 2021, Watling has moved into coaching, working with the Wellington Firebirds and Northern Districts Men. Under his leadership, Northern Districts won the Super Smash in 2025-26 and the Plunket Shield in 2024-25.
Watling said he was looking forward to returning to the international environment and working with the current Blackcaps squad.
“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’s playing and coaching experience made him well suited to the position.
“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 Blackcaps.”
Test captain Tom Latham also welcomed Watling’s return, saying his character and work ethic would make him a strong addition to the coaching group.
“BJ is a guy who personified what it means to be a Blackcaps, 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.”
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