Larsen returns as selection manager of New Zealand men's teams
Gavin Larsen is empowered to brief, advise, collaborate with, and challenge the NZ head coach Rob Walter, who retains the ultimate decision-making authority
ESPNcricinfo staff
17-Oct-2025 • 14 hrs ago
Gavin Larsen has returned to New Zealand cricket after being away for two years • Getty Images
Gavin Larsen has been appointed selection manager of New Zealand men, filling the gap left by the departure of Sam Wells. Larsen, in conjunction with head coach Rob Walter, will be responsible for selecting the New Zealand men's senior team, and the New Zealand A and New Zealand XI squads.
"I feel absolutely honoured to be stepping back into the BlackCaps and the national high performance environment," Larsen said. "I'm hugely passionate about cricket in this country and to be given another opportunity to contribute at the highest level is really exciting. I can't wait to get started this summer and hopefully help play a part in continuing the success of the BlackCaps."
Larsen, who played eight Tests and 121 ODIs for New Zealand as a medium pacer between 1990 and 1999, was the chief executive of Cricket Wellington and the cricket operations manager ahead of the 2015 ODI World Cup, held in Australia and New Zealand, before being appointed New Zealand's selection manager from 2015 to 2023. He then took on the role of performance director at Warwickshire County Cricket Club before returning to New Zealand and accepting the role of commercial manager for basketball team Nelson Giants.
"While Rob will make the final decisions as the chief selector, we want Gav preparing him with as much intel as possible, and challenging his thinking and decisions. This requires a strong relationship between the two parties and we're confident Gav has the soft skills, and the acumen to make it work"Daryl Gibson, NZC chief high-performance officer
NZC chief high-performance officer Daryl Gibson said Larsen would be responsible for managing the selection processes as well as working with domestic scouts and the major association coaches to stay up to date on the domestic scene.
"Gavin's familiarity with the role and his understanding of the requirements played an important part in his appointment," Gibson said. "But we were also impressed with his passion and energy, and his desire to get back into the game and help make a difference."
Gibson confirmed that the selection model would remain unchanged, with Larsen empowered to brief, advise, collaborate with, and challenge Walter, who retains the ultimate decision-making authority.
"While Rob will make the final decisions as the chief selector, we want Gav preparing him with as much intel as possible, and challenging his thinking and decisions," Gibson said. "This requires a strong relationship between the two parties and we're confident Gav has the soft skills, and the acumen to make it work."
Larsen will begin his role officially on November 3.