Gary Wilson joins Ireland men's team as new head coach, becomes first Irish-born to do so

Cricket Ireland has announced the appointment of Gary Wilson as Head Coach of the Ireland Men’s team.

Wilson, 40, represented Ireland 292 times across a distinguished 15-year international career before retiring in 2020. He moved into coaching shortly afterwards, initially leading the North West Warriors before joining the Ireland Men’s senior coaching set-up as Assistant Coach in 2022. He becomes the first Irish-born head coach of Ireland Men in over 30 years after John Wills in the early 1990s.

He now steps into the Head Coach role at an important point in the international cycle, with the squad building towards qualification for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

Wilson succeeds Heinrich Malan, who has stepped back from the position following discussions around the upcoming World Cup Qualifier cycle. Malan will work alongside Wilson over the coming month to ensure a smooth transition as the squad prepares for the ODI series against Afghanistan in August.

“I would like to congratulate Gary on his appointment — he has demonstrated strong leadership qualities both as a player and as a coach, and we look forward to working with him as we continue to develop this squad.

“Gary comes into the role at a crucial time in the World Cup Qualifier cycle and will now have valuable time to work with the squad during the build-up to the tournament, beginning with the Afghanistan series next month. “Looking longer term - with his extensive background in international and county cricket - Gary will have a wealth of insights and experience to call upon as we develop and deliver on a high performance strategy.”

“Representing Ireland as a player is something I will always be hugely proud of, but to now take on the role of Head Coach is a very special honour that means a great deal to me.

“I have been extremely fortunate over the years to have worked with some of the best coaches around and have had the opportunity to learn so much. My coaching beliefs have been shaped by each coach I have worked with, and are centred around strong communication, building and maintaining relationships to get the best out of players, hard work, a player-centred focus, and setting high challenges for those who are driven to succeed. Above all, the power of the connection to the Shamrock is something I’ve witnessed and is something I intend on using to our advantage.

“I’d like to put on record my thanks to Heinrich — over the last 4 years he has allowed me to have the responsibility that has put me in a position to be ready for this role and for that I am truly grateful. We have had some great days in that time, and I wish him and his family all the very best for what comes next.”