Nosworthy quits as Canterbury coach

Dave Nosworthy has resigned as coach of Canterbury and will now take charge of South African first-class side Lions. Nosworthy ends a successful stint with the New Zealand domestic side, which included a State Championship title in 2007-08 and victories in the State Shield and the Twenty20 competition in 2005-06.

Nosworthy said he enjoyed his assignment with Canterbury and was looking forward to the move to Johannesburg. "My three seasons at Canterbury were an awesome experience and I've loved every minute of the process around building the side," Nosworthy told NZPA, adding that the "opportunity to coach a South African first-class side at one of the world's best Test venues [Wanderers] was too good to turn down.

"It's sad to leave Canterbury and the players I have worked with during my time here. However, I leave with the knowledge that we have accomplished a great deal in terms of building player depth and performance and I believe there is a very bright future ahead for the men in red and black.

Lee Germon, Canterbury Cricket's chief executive, acknowledged Nosworthy's contribution. "Dave made a significant difference to the side through driving a re-building period that has resulted in the growth of our players and an outstanding last season that saw a young side win the State Championship and make the semifinals of the State Shield," Germon said.

Nosworthy has in the past coached teams in South Africa, where he played first-class cricket for Border and Northern Transvaal. He was also one among several candidates for the post of India coach last year. His stint with the Lions begins in September.