Ben Sawyer has stepped down as head coach of the White Ferns after four years in charge, with New Zealand Cricket (NZC) deciding not to renew his contract following a review of the women’s high-performance structure.
Sawyer’s contract was due to run until December 2026. His departure comes after a period of significant development for the White Ferns, including the emergence of several young players who went on to become World Cup winners under his leadership.
Appointed in June 2022, Sawyer took charge shortly after six young players received their first central contracts. Georgia Plimmer, Eden Carson and Izzy Gaze were among those players who later played key roles in New Zealand’s World Cup triumph.
The team achieved a bronze medal at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games during Sawyer’s first campaign. In 2024, he guided the White Ferns to their first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title, secured in Dubai.
Reflecting on his time with the team, Sawyer said it had been a privilege to lead the White Ferns.
"Being the White Ferns coach has been a huge honour and I’m really grateful to have had the opportunity to lead this group.
“This team means a lot to me, and I’m really proud of what we’ve been able to achieve in the past four years.
“Although I’m disappointed to be leaving, I want to wish the team and NZC all the best."
NZC Chief High Performance Cricket Officer Daryl Gibson said Sawyer had made a significant contribution to the women’s programme.
“Ben’s overseen a period of considerable change and progression for the WHITE FERNS and we’re deeply appreciative of the commitment, professionalism and time he invested in the women’s game.”
Gibson said the programme had now reached a transition point and required a different leadership structure.
“It was a difficult decision which was not made lightly, but it reflects our view that the next stage of the WHITE FERNS journey requires a different leadership approach to support the future direction of the programme.”
White Ferns captain Melie Kerr also paid tribute to Sawyer’s contribution during his tenure.
“We’re hugely grateful for Ben and everything he’s put into this team,” said Kerr.
“His preparation was second to none, he poured his heart and soul into the role and left no stone unturned trying to make the team better.
"Ben played a huge part in a defining moment for women’s cricket in New Zealand. He showed a belief in us that helped propel the team to World Cup victory after a difficult few months and that’s a testament to his character and leadership.”
NZC Head of Women’s High Performance Development Liz Green said Sawyer had brought a strategic and committed approach to the role.
“Ben’s a passionate, caring, and highly strategic leader,” said Green.
“His ability to look beyond the immediate challenges highlighted why he was the right person to lead the White Ferns through an important period of growth and development since 2022.”
Green said Sawyer had also left the women’s programme with stronger structures and pathways.
“Ben leaves the team and women’s pathways in a stronger position than when he joined us and has worked hard to develop a clear programme plan and structure that’ll continue to support our aspiration of long-term sustainable success.
“While I’m sad to see him depart, he does so with my full respect and gratitude for everything he’s achieved, and the lasting legacy he leaves across the women’s game in New Zealand.”
The high-performance review also recommended the introduction of a new Performance Lead position. As part of the restructuring, the White Ferns Manager role held by Rachel Pettit has been disestablished.
An interim head coach and team manager will accompany the team to Australia next month for the upcoming T20I series.
NZC is expected to begin recruitment for the permanent White Ferns head coach and Performance Lead positions shortly, while the squad for the Australian T20I series is scheduled to be announced in early October.