With Heinrich Malan's most recent achievement having been Ireland's remarkable T20 series win over world champions India (2-0), his return to Kiwi shores may not be the best news for the Central Stags' opponents this summer.
It's the second time around for Malan who first arrived in Napier to coach the team in 2013, as a young coach fresh from his own playing days in South Africa.
He left them several few years later with two titles in the Plunket Shield and The Ford Trophy, and the prized 2019 Super Smash trophy after repeat Grand Final appearances.
Malan went on to coach the Auckland Aces for a couple of seasons after that (bringing home more titles) before his first full International appointment as Test nation Ireland's Head Coach in 2022.
He has signed a three-year contract with Central Districts Cricket starting this month, taking over the Stags' reins from former captain Greg Hay (last summer's Plunket Shield and Ford Trophy coach - achieving the national title in the latter) and another former Stags batter, Ben F. Smith (Super Smash).
For Malan, it's more than a full circle moment. Pretoria-raised, he says he and the family are coming back to a place they now call home.
"Hawke's Bay is special to us. Our daughter Mila's got really good memories of growing up there, and our two lads were born there so we've got a real affinity for the region and for CD as a family."
As a clear thinker with a superb technical eye, he helped mould raw talent into BLACKCAPS the first time around, cited as a major influence by the likes of paceman Blair Tickner and spinner Ajaz Patel - who both went on to significant performances for New Zealand.
Malan was then appointed by NZC as New Zealand A's Head Coach for both internal and overseas tours, and seconded to the BLACKCAPS as a batting coach on a short-term contract as well, before his career move to Ireland.
"I wanted to test myself, and I think the pressure of international cricket has developed me on a personal level," says Malan.
"Now I want to share my experience, see where that takes us as a group with the Stags.
"I'm looking forward to getting to know the newer faces there and there is huge satisfaction in putting those lads in a position where they can go out and showcase their skills and contribute, so I can't wait to get my hands dirty again from a training perspective at Domestic level this summer.
"To coach hands-on is something that genuinely still excites me. I have got a huge fire in my belly for it."