South African coach Russell Domingo, the former head coach of both Bangladesh and South Africa, has been appointed as head coach of Hampshire’s men’s team on a two-year contract. The county made the official announcement after months of speculation regarding the long-term successor to Adrian Birrell, who is set to leave the club at the end of the 2025 season after seven years in charge.
Domingo is not joining Hampshire alone. The vastly experienced South African Shane Burger has also been recruited to the revamped coaching structure. Burger previously coached Scotland’s national team and, more recently, held a key coaching position with Somerset. He joins the Hampshire staff as the bowling coach, bringing valuable Associate-level knowledge and county experience.
Domingo is no stranger to elite cricket environments. Between 2012 and 2017, he led South Africa’s men’s side, guiding them through a period featuring celebrated stars such as AB de Villiers, Dale Steyn and Hashim Amla. After leaving the Proteas, he took on the responsibility of transforming Bangladesh cricket, serving as their national head coach for three years. His tenure was marked by historic wins against Australia and New Zealand, and improved competitiveness in bilateral series.
Since 2023, Domingo has been working with both the Johannesburg-based Lions and their franchise in South Africa’s T20 competition, the PSL. Reports indicate he will continue to collaborate with the Lions while undertaking the Hampshire role, reinforcing a modern multi-team coaching approach.
Hampshire’s cricket director, Giles White, responded enthusiastically to the appointment, stating that Domingo’s international pedigree and ability to nurture talent make him a perfect fit for the club’s philosophy. White praised the strong combination of Domingo, Burger, and Jimmy Adams, with Adams continuing as batting coach and long-serving mentor within the setup.
The club is hopeful that this coaching reset will provide a winning boost after a mixed 2024 season. Hampshire reached the finals of both the Vitality Blast and Metro Bank One-Day Cup but finished empty-handed. They also survived the threat of relegation in the County Championship after Durham faltered on the last day.
Domingo, speaking after the announcement, expressed excitement for the challenge, emphasising the importance of youth development alongside title ambitions. “A club of Hampshire’s standing has world-class facilities, clear ambition and a vision to produce strong home-grown players. The balance between nurturing talent and competing for trophies is hugely inspiring,” he declared.
Burger echoed similar sentiments, voicing his eagerness to strengthen Hampshire’s new-generation fast-bowling talent. He highlighted young prospects such as Sonny Baker, Eddie Jack and Scott Currie as players capable of future England honours. “To be part of their development is an honour,” he added.
Hampshire now look toward 2026 and beyond, with the expectation that the new coaching leadership will not only pursue trophies but will also shape a sustainable era of homegrown success.