News

Bobby Rao has resigned as Head Coach of the North-West Warriors after being appointed as Academy Director in Hyderabad, India.
Rao, a legend in both cricket and the community in the North-West has been a big part of cricket in the region since his first appearance for Strabane in 1981.

Since his retirement from playing, just three years ago, he has become more involved with coaching, and has led the North-West Warriors since the re-introduction of the Inter-Provincial Series. Perhaps seen as the weaker of the teams in the first season of the competition, Rao has developed an outstanding side that not only won the 2014 T20 competition, but has produced five Ireland internationals this year alone.

Announcing his resignation Rao was quick to thank many involved with cricket in the North-West.

“It is with a heavy heart that I am formally resigning as Head Coach of The North West Warriors, I would like to thank Richard Holdsworth and Cricket Ireland for the opportunity to coach the North West Warriors, it was a pleasure to coach a great bunch of lads.

“I would also like to thank Andrew Fleming, The North West Cricket Union and all the North West Clubs who were very obliging to The Warriors when we needed grounds and facilities for practice, last but not least I would like to thank The North West Warriors, I am so proud of all who came through this squad, they have come on leaps and bounds over the past two years.”

Rao will miss the remainder of the season with the Warriors, who are currently top of the Hanley Energy 3-day Inter-Provincial Championship, will look to appoint an interim coach in the short term until a permanent replacement is found.

Richard Holdsworth, Performance Director at Cricket Ireland commented “Cricket Ireland and the NWCU thank Bobby for his hard work and dedication as Warriors head coach. He has not only led the side off the pitch for three seasons but dedicated himself to developing players in the NW for many years. We all wish Bobby the best of luck in his new role and congratulate him on a great career in coaching. We shall look for a replacement immediately”.

Everyone at Cricket Ireland is sad to see Bobby leave, and would like to wish him all the best in his new role.


Bobby Rao (cenre) at the launch of the Inter-Provincial Series
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