NSW and Sydney Sixers End Partnership with Veteran Coach
New South Wales and the Sydney Sixers announce their decision to part ways with accomplished coach Greg Shipperd, despite a year remaining on his contract. Shipperd, who celebrates his 70th birthday in November, secured a two-year extension to lead both teams through the 2026-27 season. Following the Sixers’ recent Big Bash League final appearance and strong positioning in the Sheffield Shield and One-Day Cup competitions, officials inform him that this marks his final season in both capacities.
Shipperd steps away from the Sixers role immediately after steering the team to five finals appearances, including two championship wins. He continues as head coach for New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield and One-Day Cup until the season concludes.
Leadership’s Rationale for Change
Cricket New South Wales chief executive Lee Germon describes the move as challenging yet necessary. “Decisions to change key personnel are never easy, but we felt it was time to move in a new direction to give the Blues and Sixers the best chance to win titles,” Germon states.
Shipperd expresses clear disappointment over the abrupt end to his tenure. “My contract was to conclude at the end of the 2026/27 season and so I’m incredibly disappointed that I will not have the opportunity to honour my commitment and continue to develop the wonderful young players I have been working with,” he remarks. Shipperd adds, “I am extremely proud of my coaching team for building the foundation of a new generation and I wish them all success beyond my time here.”
Shipperd’s Extensive Coaching Legacy
Shipperd stands as a cornerstone of Australian cricket coaching, launching his career with Tasmania in the 1990s after a distinguished playing stint as an opening batter for Western Australia and Tasmania. He debuted in the Sheffield Shield during the 1977-78 season and has shaped domestic cricket across five decades.
His coaching highlights include 11 seasons with Tasmania, reaching three Shield finals; a decade with Victoria, securing four Shield titles, one One-Day Cup victory, and four state Big Bash successes; and early Big Bash League guidance for the Melbourne Stars, leading to four finals. Since joining the Sixers, he has fostered consistent excellence.
Shipperd’s influence extends to mentoring prominent figures, including current Australia coach Andrew McDonald during his Victoria days, batting coach Michael Di Venuto at Tasmania, and Victoria’s head coach Chris Rogers. He has also guided numerous assistant coaches and high-performance staff in the Australian system.
Progress Under Shipperd at New South Wales
Shipperd assumed the New South Wales role on an interim basis in 2022 after Phil Jacques’ dismissal, earning a full-time position at the 2022-23 season’s end. Under his leadership, the team shows steady advancement. From last place in the Shield in 2022-23, they rose to third in 2023-24 and fourth in 2024-25. They reached the One-Day Cup final in 2023-24, losing to Western Australia, and placed third the following season.
Shipperd remains optimistic about the squad’s trajectory and his role in nurturing emerging talent. Players like Sam Konstas, who debuted in Tests in December 2024, and captain Jack Edwards, who earned his first international cap in a T20I against Pakistan, highlight this development. In June, Shipperd noted, “Progress is being made. The next step for us is to win those crunch games more often than we did, in particular at the back end of last year. We need to put in place that next six or seven Australian players [like those] that have been sitting in the Australian team for many years now. That’s the challenge. We’re chasing it aggressively.”
