Welsh Fire appoint Michael Klinger as new head coach as appointment helps to strengthen ties at newly acquired franchise.
Michael Klinger joins Welsh Fire as women’s head coach.
Former Australian batter Michael Klinger, who is currently the director of cricket at Washington Freedom in the MLC, has joined Welsh Fire in a top management capacity. He will also assume the post of head coach for their Women’s Hundred team.
Glamorgan County Cricket Club and Washington Freedom, whose owner, US-based software entrepreneur Sanjay Govil, purchased a 49% share in Welsh Fire during the Hundred stock sale earlier this year, are further strengthened by Klinger’s hiring on a two-year term.
In addition to keeping his position at Washington Freedom, Klinger will collaborate closely with Mark Wallace, general manager of Fire, to coordinate recruitment for both the men’s and women’s teams.
Mike Hussey, Klinger’s fellow Australian, will continue as head coach of the men’s team, while Gareth Breese, who managed the women’s team in this year’s Hundred, will remain an assistant coach in the reorganised group.
In addition to coaching the Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League in India, the Melbourne Renegades Men’s side in the Big Bash League, and the Sydney Thunder Women’s side, Klinger was the head coach of the Manchester Originals women’s squad during the 2025 Hundred season.
“I’m thrilled to be taking on an expanded role with Welsh Fire, leading list management for both the men’s and women’s teams, alongside being Head Coach of the Women’s side,” Klinger said.
“I’d like to thank Manchester Originals for the opportunity to work with them last year. It was a fantastic and rewarding experience for which I’m very grateful.
“This new role allows me to combine coaching with a broader strategic focus and to continue strengthening my connections with the Washington Freedom organisation, as well as with the current management and coaches at Welsh Fire.”
Glamorgan and Welsh Fire CEO, Dan Cherry, added: “We’re thrilled to welcome Michael to the Welsh Fire family. From his career to date, Michael’s experience, pedigree and enthusiasm matches our long-term strategic vision of ambition and success for the franchise.
“Michael adds real quality to our recruitment and coaching capabilities, while his arrival allows Mark to focus directly on implementing our wider cricket strategy. We are hopeful that Gareth Breese will stay on to support Michael after leading the team to the final in 2024.
“It’s great also to continue our partnership with Mike Hussey. Mike is an outstanding leader who has made great strides with our Men’s team in recent years. We are all excited for this new chapter as we maximise our partnership with Sanjay Govil and his team to take progressive steps forward on and off the field.”