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Former Ireland captain Trent Johnston has been named as the new head coach of Australian state side New South Wales.
Johnston joined Cricket NSW in September 2014 as one of Trevo Bayliss’ – now England coach – Assistant Coaches for the Blues and Sydney Sixers. During that time the Blues finished runners-up in the Matador One Day Cup and third in the Sheffield Shield, with the Sixers runners-up in BBL04.

In addition, the 41-year-old was in charge of the NSW U/19 Pathway Program and guided the NSW Metro team to victory at the U/19 Male National Championships.

Prior to returning to Australia, Johnston was the Head Coach of the Irish women’s team and the men’s Leinster Lightning side, with whom he won the Inter-Provincial 50 over and Three Day Inter-Provincial Championships in both 2013 and 2014.

As a player, Johnston represented NSW in five First Class matches between 1998 and 2000 however it was overseas where he enjoyed most of his success.

He played 67 One Day Internationals for Ireland, taking 66 wickets, and was captain of the team from 2005 to 2008. This included Ireland’s historic run to the Super 8’s stage of the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup in the West Indies.

In T20 cricket Johnston represented Ireland on 30 occasions, taking 32 wickets.

Speaking about his appointment, Johnston said he was looking forward to helping the NSW Blues squad reach its potential.

“The NSW Blues are about producing Australian players and winning National titles. We have a very talented squad ranging from experienced International players to rookies who are at the start of their professional careers. I look forward to helping all of them to achieve our team goals, as well as their personal ones.

“This is a very exciting opportunity for me and I am ready to take this next step in my career. I am passionate about cricket, I am passionate about coaching and I am passionate about NSW,” he said.

Cricket NSW Chief Executive Officer Andrew Jones congratulated Johnston on his appointment.

“The NSW way is to back young talent and we are delighted to offer Trent the opportunity to lead the NSW Blues. I am confident he will be an outstanding success.

“Trent is an emerging coach who has performed as a NSW Assistant Coach and a Head Coach at the youth, club and inter-provincial level both here and overseas. He is past Blues player with substantial playing and leadership experience and he has formed strong relationships and established credibility with our players since returning to Cricket NSW,” said Jones.

Trent Johnston will take charge of the NSW Blues squad immediately having acted as the Interim Head Coach for the last month.

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