WHITE FERNS head coach Ben Sawyer has departed the role after four years at the helm.
Sawyer’s contract, which was set to conclude in December 2026, has not been renewed following a comprehensive review process of the NZC women’s high performance structure.
Sawyer was first appointed in June 2022, shortly after six young players were awarded their first central contracts, several of whom including Georgia Plimmer, Eden Carson, and Izzy Gaze, went on to become World Cup winners under him.
A period of growth and success followed for the WHITE FERNS as Sawyer fostered the young group’s potential and significantly strengthened the structure and standards of the environment.
Achievements during his time at helm included a bronze medal at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth games in his first campaign in charge, before the team reached new heights in 2024 when he led the WHITE FERNS to New Zealand’s first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup victory in Dubai.
Sawyer said it was a privilege to have led the WHITE FERNS.
"Being the WHITE FERNS coach has been a huge honour and I’m really grateful to have had the opportunity to lead this group.
“This team means a lot to me and I’m really proud of what we’ve been able to achieve in the past four years.
“Although I’m disappointed to be leaving, I want to wish the team and NZC all the best."
NZC’s Chief High Performance Cricket Officer Daryl Gibson said Sawyer had made a significant contribution.
“Ben’s overseen a period of considerable change and progression for the WHITE FERNS and we’re deeply appreciative of the commitment, professionalism and time he invested in the women’s game.”
Gibson said the WHITE FERNS programme had entered a natural transition phase.
“It was a difficult decision which was not made lightly, but it reflects our view that the next stage of the WHITE FERNS journey requires a different leadership approach to support the future direction of the programme.”
WHITE FERNS captain Melie Kerr reflected fondly on Sawyer’s tenure.
“We’re hugely grateful for Ben and everything he’s put into this team,” said Kerr.
“His preparation was second to none, he poured his heart and soul into the role and left no stone unturned trying to make the team better.
"Ben played a huge part in a defining moment for women’s cricket in New Zealand. He showed a belief in us that helped propel the team to World Cup victory after a difficult few months and that’s a testament to his character and leadership.”
NZC’s Head of Women’s High Performance Development Liz Green was grateful for Sawyer’s approach.
“Ben’s a passionate, caring, and highly strategic leader,” said Green.
“His ability to look beyond the immediate challenges highlighted why he was the right person to lead the WHITE FERNS through an important period of growth and development since 2022.”
Green highlighted the legacy Sawyer left on the women’s game.
“Ben leaves the team and women’s pathways in a stronger position than when he joined us and has worked hard to develop a clear programme plan and structure that’ll continue to support our aspiration of long-term sustainable success.
“While I’m sad to see him depart, he does so with my full respect and gratitude for everything he’s achieved, and the lasting legacy he leaves across the women’s game in New Zealand.”
The women’s high performance review concluded the environment’s need for the introduction of a Performance Lead role, meaning the WHITE FERNS Manager role, held by Rachel Pettit, has been disestablished.
An interim head coach and team manager will travel to Australia next month for the T20I series, with recruitment for the WHITE FERNS head coach and performance lead roles to commence shortly.
The squad for the T20I series in Australia is set to be named early October.
Key WHITE FERNS achievements during Ben Sawyer’s tenure
2022
-
Commonwealth Games Bronze Medal
-
4-1 T20I series win against West Indies (in West Indies)
-
2-1 ODI series win against West Indies (in West Indies)
-
3-0 T20I series win against Bangladesh
-
1-0 ODI series win against Bangladesh
2023
-
2-1 T20I series win against Sri Lanka (in Sri Lanka)
-
2-1 ODI series win against Pakistan
2024
-
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Champions
2025
-
2-1 ODI series win against Sri Lanka
-
Drawn T20I series against Sri Lanka
2026
-
3-0 T20I series win against Zimbabwe
-
3-0 ODI series win against Zimbabwe
-
4-1 T20I series win against South Africa
-
2-1 ODI series win against South Africa
-
Drawn ODI series against England (in England)