Kuggeleijn appointed U-19 coach

Former New Zealand offspinner Chris Kuggeleijn has been appointed coach of the national Under-19 team, taking over from Australian Mark O'Neill.

Kuggeleijn, 53, who played two Tests and 16 ODIs in the late 1980s, has set his sights on the Under-19 World Cup to be held in New Zealand next year. "I see my role as helping to develop the potential of New Zealand's finest young cricketers in their quest to win the Under-19 World Cup here next summer," he said.

"This is a great opportunity to work with the exciting young talent we have at present, I'm really looking forward to coaching in the international arena again."

O'Neill will head back to Sydney where he will look to reactivate his cricket consultancy business. "It's just time for me to follow some other cricket interests. I also wanted to let NZC know in time so they can get someone to take the under-19 boys to the World Cup," he said.

Kuggeleijn coached Northern Districts from 1996 to 2001, when they won all three major titles on offer. He was named New Zealand Coach of the Year in 1998.

After his stint with Northern Districts, Kuggeleijn went on to teach and coach at Hamilton Boys' High School and won three national secondary schools' titles in eight years.

O'Neill, New Zealand Cricket's (NZC) specialist batting coach, will return to Australia but will continue to work with New Zealand's top batsmen on a contract basis.