Chris Kuggeleijn appointed New Zealand Under-19 coach

Former New Zealand offspinner and Northern Districts coach Chris Kuggeleijn has been appointed coach of the New Zealand Under-19 side.

Kuggeleijn coached the Northern Knights from 1996 to 2001, during which time the side finished in the top three in all forms of competition every year.

In 1998 he was awarded the New Zealand Coach of the Year award. During his time as the Knights coach they won all three major titles and were runner-up on three other occasions.

He had also coached the New Zealand youth side to play a home and away series against Pakistan, in 1995.

In 2001 he returned to teaching – and coaching – at Hamilton Boys’ High School. In the eight years he has coached the school’s First XI they have made the Gillette Cup Finals five times, winning on three occasions.

During this time he has also established an elite mentoring programme for first team players and coaches in all codes.

Chris says he is excited about the appointment to the Under-19 side. “This is a great opportunity to work with the exciting young talent we have at present, and I’m really looking forward to coaching in the international arena again.

“I see my role as helping to develop the potential of New Zealand’s finest young cricketers in their quest to win the Under-19 World Cup here next summer.”

The ICC Under-19 World Cup is scheduled to take place in New Zealand early next year, after the ICC moved the tournament from its original location in Kenya.

Kuggeleijn takes over the role from Mark O’Neill, who is returning to Sydney but will continue to work with New Zealand’s leading batsmen on a contract basis in future.