In a move set to shape the next chapter of Irish women’s cricket, Cricket Ireland has announced the appointment of Lloyd Tennant as the new Head Coach of the Ireland Women’s team, effective 1 June 2025. The appointment arrives at a pivotal moment, as women’s cricket enjoys unprecedented growth both in Ireland and on the global stage.
At 57, Tennant commands a coaching CV few can match. An ECB Level 4 qualified coach with over three decades of experience, he has shaped the careers of international, regional, and first-class cricketers in both men’s and women’s formats. Tennant is best known for his four-year tenure as Head Coach of the Central Sparks, where he steered a highly successful High-Performance Programme and cultivated a pool of young talent, many of whom now feature in England’s senior team and Academy squads.
His expertise in women’s cricket is vast. Tennant has served as assistant coach for the ECB Female Academy and ‘A’ Team, worked with the Manchester Originals in The Hundred, and managed the ECB Women and Girls’ Talent pathway for two years. In addition, his 20-plus years with Leicestershire CCC and experience as ECB Male Under-19 Bowling Coach underscore a rare versatility, a coach equally adept at developing elite male and female athletes.
Tennant’s foundation as a professional cricketer, with eight years at Leicestershire CCC and Essex CCC, brings a player’s perspective to his coaching, an invaluable asset as Ireland Women look to bridge the gap to the world’s top teams.
Reflecting on his new role, Tennant was quick to acknowledge the momentum built under outgoing coach Ed Joyce.
“I’m very excited about this new role-it’s such a great time to be involved in women’s cricket, given its rapid development around the world,” he said. “This Ireland Women’s squad has moved forward enormously under the guidance of Ed Joyce, and I would like to continue his great work, supporting this squad as it continues to grow. To be honest, I can’t wait to get started.”
His enthusiasm is matched by Cricket Ireland’s Director of High Performance, Graeme West. “We are delighted to have secured the services of Lloyd Tennant as our new National Women’s Head Coach,” West said. “Lloyd’s vast experience coaching across male and female High-Performance Pathways in the UK made him an outstanding candidate. He brings an abundance of expertise and knowledge, with the additional capacity to educate, that I am confident will advance the players and staff he leads.”
West further highlighted Tennant’s track record in “harnessing potential and sustaining players’ progress,” particularly in managing the delicate balance between elite sport and education, a challenge familiar to many of Ireland’s emerging stars.
Tennant’s arrival marks more than a change in leadership; it signals a renewed commitment to nurturing Ireland’s burgeoning talent and building a squad capable of competing at the highest levels. His experience in guiding teams through ICC qualification pathways and World Cup cycles positions Ireland Women well for the challenges ahead, including the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and beyond.
With a roster rich in young, ambitious players, Tennant’s proven ability to manage dual commitments, balancing cricket with education-will be crucial. His holistic approach to player development, honed over decades, promises to deliver both immediate results and long-term sustainability.
Moreover, Tennant’s familiarity with the world’s best standards, gleaned from his work with England’s Female ‘A’ Squad and national academies, will help Ireland Women set new benchmarks in professionalism, preparation, and performance. As Lloyd Tennant takes the helm, Irish women’s cricket stands on the threshold of a new era. His appointment is a statement of intent, a promise to fans and players alike that Ireland will continue to push boundaries, inspire the next generation, and stake their claim on the global stage.
For Tennant, the task ahead is clear, to build on the legacy of Ed Joyce, to unlock the potential of a talented squad, and to ensure that Ireland Women’s cricket is defined not only by its progress, but by its ambition.
(Quotes sourced from Cricket Ireland Press Release)
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