Russell Domingo, once in charge of South Africa and more recently Bangladesh, has accepted a two-year deal to become Hampshire’s men’s head coach. The 49-year-old will balance the role with his current post at the Johannesburg-based Lions, flying in and out of the Utilita Bowl as schedules allow.
Shane Burger, another South African voice, slots in as assistant coach with responsibility for the bowlers. Former county captain Jimmy Adams continues to steer the batting group, creating a three-pronged set-up that replaces Adrian Birrell, who stepped down at the close of the 2025 summer.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Hampshire Cricket,” Domingo said. “This is a club with incredible history, outstanding facilities at Utilita Bowl, and a clear vision for success both on and off the field.
“I’ve been genuinely impressed by the ambition here and the strong cultural values that underpin everything Hampshire does. The combination of developing young talent whilst competing for trophies is exactly the challenge I’m looking for, and I can’t wait to get started.
“I’m looking forward to working alongside Jimmy and Shane and getting to know the players as we prepare for what promises to be an exciting season ahead.”
Burger echoed the upbeat mood. “I’m really excited to be joining Hampshire Cricket. The quality of young bowlers coming through here is exceptional, Sonny Baker, Eddie Jack and Scott Currie have already earned England recognition, and I’m looking forward to helping them continue that development.
“I love the ambition and vision of the club and the future seems bright. I’m excited to be part of that journey alongside Russell and Jimmy and I can’t wait to get started.”
Hampshire endured a choppy end to 2025: runners-up in both the Vitality T20 Blast and the Metro Bank One-Day Cup, and flirting with relegation in the County Championship after a late-season pitch-penalty. A last-day Durham collapse kept them in Division One, yet the wobble underlined the need for fresh direction.
Domingo’s track record suggests a methodical hand. During five years with South Africa he guided a senior dressing room studded with strong personalities, while his Bangladesh stint included the Test win at Mount Maunganui and a maiden T20I series victory over Australia. At provincial level with the Lions he has blended raw pace with pragmatic batting, a balance Hampshire’s attack-heavy squad should appreciate.
Director of cricket Giles White sees the trio as a logical fit. “We’re delighted to announce our coaching team for next summer,” he said. “Russell Domingo will serve as head coach, with Jimmy Adams and Shane Burger joining him as assistant coaches. Together, they form a strong and experienced unit that will continue to champion the cultural framework that has underpinned Hampshire cricket over the years.
“We exist to win and to develop, and I’m confident this team will continue to drive that ethos as we move into an exciting future. It’s a fantastic place to be at this moment in time, and the season ahead promises great opportunities.”
The immediate task is clear: stabilise the four-day performances without blunting the club’s limited-overs edge. Pre-season camps in both hemispheres are pencilled in, allowing Domingo to shuttle between Hampshire’s challenge and domestic commitments in Johannesburg.
