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Matthew Mott and Carl Hopkinson will join the Irish camp as specialist coaches during both their ongoing month long acclimatisation tour of Australia and New Zealand and World Cup campaign next year.
The pair will assist head coach Phil Simmons, who is delighted to have the extra resources at his disposal: “Both bring exceptional sets of skills to the squad and will enhance the support staff significantly. Matthew has extensive coaching experience both in Australia and abroad and comes with a proven reputation.

“Carl also is highly regarded in coaching circles with his work both domestically at Sussex, and internationally with the England Under 19’s and Lions squads.”

Cricket Ireland performance director Richard Holdsworth explained the rationale behind the support staff expansion: “It is important for our World Cup preparations and for the event itself that we have as many resources possible to help improve and support the squad.

“Matthew knows the Australian conditions well and has vast experience of playing on these surfaces, whilst Carl’s experience in elite fielding should help sharpen the squad in this area.

“We feel both coaches will fit in seamlessly with our support team and both have an excellent work ethic which will work well with our players. I would like to thank Sussex CCC for agreeing to release Carl from some of his winter duties at Hove to help our World Cup campaign.”

Matthew Mott played for both Queensland and Victoria, and has been head coach at Glamorgan and New South Wales. He was also assistant to Australia’s Under-19 World Cup team in 2005 and Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL.
He will work in an assistant coach capacity with particular focus on the batters, and joins the squad on 30th September until 21st October, and then again for the duration of the World Cup.

Carl Hopkinson is currently Club Coach at Sussex CCC where he works with the 2nd team as well as being the club’s fielding coach. He will join the Irish squad in an assistant coach capacity with a main role as fielding coach. He joins up with the Irish squad on October 6th until the end of the tour on October 23rd, and then rejoins for the World Cup campaign.

Mark Robinson, Sussex CCC Professional Cricket Manager said, “This is a fantastic opportunity for Carl to be in and around a major competition such as the World Cup. The opportunity to work with professional players and support staff in such an exciting arena will not only benefit Cricket Ireland, Carl himself but also Sussex on his return. I wish him well.”

Carl Hopkinson in action
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