Canterbury Magicians’ coach Stephen Cunis has jetted off to the UK with the White Ferns and is looking forward to being involved with an international side on tour.
Cunis has been coaching the Magicians for two years has also been involved with Emerging Players and White Ferns during that time as well and when White Ferns coach Gary Stead asked if he’d like to be part of the coaching staff during the tour Cunis immediately said yes. “Last year he asked me if I would be interested in touring England and I obviously jumped at the chance to work with, what is, a well organised and proud squad, on a fantastic tour,” he said.
He’ll be primarily working under Stead and focusing on the bowling side of the White Ferns’ attack as well as learning more about coaching at an international level. “I’m looking forward to working with the bowlers and trying to get them to perform consistently as a world class unit,” he said. “I want to learn about the ins and outs of touring from a coach’s perspective and I want to work closely with Stead so I am able to develop my overall coaching style and philosophy.”
With his role, Cunis will be heavily involved on match and training days working with the entire squad running warm ups and giving technical and tactical advice. He’ll be working closely with not only the players, but the wider team. “I'm looking forward to working with a great support staff and a talented bunch of girls who have great pride in playing for New Zealand,” he said. “For me, having the opportunity to tour England in a coaching capacity is enough in itself to be honest as I know there will be many things that I will get out of such a tour.”
The team leave New Zealand on Thursday and is away for four weeks touring around the English country side and although Cunis is looking forward to the trip, he’s also excited about coming home. “My pregnant wife Kara is due in August with our second child so I hope she doesn't go into labour early!” he laughed.
