Hampshire appoint Russell Domingo as head coach

Russell Domingo, the former South Africa and Bangladesh coach, has been named Hampshire men's head coach on a two-year contract. He will be joined in the club's new coaching set-up by another South African, Shane Burger, who previously coached Scotland before moving on to Somerset.

Domingo was in charge of South Africa between 2012 and 2017, followed by a three-year stint with Bangladesh. He has been head coach of Johannesburg-based Lions since 2023, and has also worked in the PSL. ESPNcricinfo understands Domingo will continue in his Lions role, splitting his time between the UK and South Africa.

He succeeds his countryman Adrian Birrell at Hampshire, with Birrell stepping down at the end of the 2025 summer after seven seasons on the south coast.

Burger joins as assistant coach (bowling), while former Hampshire captain Jimmy Adams will continue in his role as assistant coach (batting).

"I'm thrilled to be joining Hampshire Cricket," Domingo said. "This is a club with incredible history, outstanding facilities at Utilita Bowl, and a clear vision for success both on and off the field.

"I've been genuinely impressed by the ambition here and the strong cultural values that underpin everything Hampshire does. The combination of developing young talent whilst competing for trophies is exactly the challenge I'm looking for, and I can't wait to get started.

"I'm looking forward to working alongside Jimmy and Shane and getting to know the players as we prepare for what promises to be an exciting season ahead."

Burger said: "I'm really excited to be joining Hampshire Cricket. The quality of young bowlers coming through here is exceptional, Sonny Baker, Eddie Jack and Scott Currie have already earned England recognition, and I'm looking forward to helping them continue that development.

"I love the ambition and vision of the club and the future seems bright. I'm excited to be part of that journey alongside Russell and Jimmy and I can't wait to get started."

Hampshire endured a turbulent finish to last season, losing in both the final of the Vitality T20 Blast and the Metro Bank One-Day Cup. They appeared destined for relegation to Division Two of the County Championship, after suffering a points deduction for a substandard pitch, before being reprieved on the final day by Durham's collapse against Yorkshire.

Hampshire's director of cricket, Giles White, added: "We're delighted to announce our coaching team for next summer. Russell Domingo will serve as head coach, with Jimmy Adams and Shane Burger joining him as assistant coaches. Together, they form a strong and experienced unit that will continue to champion the cultural framework that has underpinned Hampshire cricket over the years.

"We exist to win and to develop, and I'm confident this team will continue to drive that ethos as we move into an exciting future. It's a fantastic place to be at this moment in time, and the season ahead promises great opportunities."