Michael Klinger joins Welsh Fire as women's head coach

Michael Klinger, the former Australia batter and current director of cricket at Washington Freedom in the MLC, has joined Welsh Fire in a senior management role and will also take over as head coach of their Women's Hundred team.

Klinger's appointment, on a two-year contract, further strengthens ties between Glamorgan County Cricket Club and Washington Freedom, whose owner - Sanjay Govil, the US-based tech entrepreneur - acquired a 49% stake in Welsh Fire during the Hundred equity sale earlier this year.

Klinger will retain his role at Washington Freedom, and will work closely with Fire's general manager Mark Wallace to oversee recruitment for both the men's and women's teams.

Gareth Breese, who oversaw the women's squad in this year's Hundred, will stay on as an Assistant Coach in the restructured team, while Mike Hussey - Klinger's fellow Australian - retains his role as head coach of the men's team.

In the 2025 Hundred season, Klinger was head coach of Manchester Originals women's team, and has also served in coaching roles at Gujarat Giants in the Women's Premier League in India, the Melbourne Renegades Men's Team in the Big Bash League and the Sydney Thunder Women's team.

"I'm thrilled to be taking on an expanded role with Welsh Fire, leading list management for both the men's and women's teams, alongside being Head Coach of the Women's side," Klinger said.

"I'd like to thank Manchester Originals for the opportunity to work with them last year. It was a fantastic and rewarding experience for which I'm very grateful.

"This new role allows me to combine coaching with a broader strategic focus and to continue strengthening my connections with the Washington Freedom organisation, as well as with the current management and coaches at Welsh Fire."

Glamorgan and Welsh Fire CEO, Dan Cherry, added: "We're thrilled to welcome Michael to the Welsh Fire family. From his career to date, Michael's experience, pedigree and enthusiasm matches our long-term strategic vision of ambition and success for the franchise.

"Michael adds real quality to our recruitment and coaching capabilities, while his arrival allows Mark to focus directly on implementing our wider cricket strategy. We are hopeful that Gareth Breese will stay on to support Michael after leading the team to the final in 2024.

"It's great also to continue our partnership with Mike Hussey. Mike is an outstanding leader who has made great strides with our Men's team in recent years. We are all excited for this new chapter as we maximise our partnership with Sanjay Govil and his team to take progressive steps forward on and off the field."