Iain O’Brien has resigned from his role as Cricket Wellington specialist pace bowling coach to return home to be with his family in England.

The former Firebirds and BLACKCAPS paceman left England to take up the role with Cricket Wellington in April and has made a significant impact across the Blaze and Firebirds squads, as well as the Cricket Wellington pathway programme.

Despite thoroughly enjoying the role, O’Brien has decided he needs to head home to be closer to his family.

“I said this was my dream job, and it has been. Thank you to everyone at Cricket Wellington for your time and understanding around me cutting my time short. It hurts me to leave, but I need to be closer to my family, especially with Covid still a large looming threat in the UK.

“I’ve got some amazing friends here and they’ve been so kind, but nothing compares to the aroha from your own crew.

“I’ve met and worked with some wonderful coaches, and cricketers, across all the teams and pathways. I know I’ve had some positive influence on their skills. I can only hope you all keep loving playing, training, and trying to be the best people you can be.”

Cricket Wellington CEO Cam Mitchell thanked O’Brien for his contributions to Cricket Wellington.

“Iain has proven a positive addition to the Cricket Wellington team and the expertise and enthusiasm that he has brought to our fast-bowling ranks, in particular, will be sorely missed,” he said.

“From everyone at Cricket Wellington I’d like to thank Iain for his tremendous enthusiasm and dedication to the role – we know Iain is a passionate Wellingtonian and he certainly brought that passion everyday in all facets of his job.

“We know the decision to move home to be close to his family is a difficult one and one we thoroughly support Iain with, and we wish him all the best with his future endeavors.”

Cricket Wellington will seek a replacement specialist pace bowling coach at the end of the 2021-22 season.

Article added: Thursday 16 December 2021