Rachel Priest has extended her stay as Glamorgan Women head coach, signing a contract that will keep her at the helm until 2027. This comes as a significant boost for the team, which is on the rise within the English women’s cricket scene.
Priest, a former New Zealand international wicketkeeper-batter, has been instrumental in Glamorgan Women’s journey since the beginning. Under her leadership, the team has achieved impressive milestones in its debut season, including reaching the One-Day Cup League Two final and making it to the semi-finals of the T20 Blast.
Priest’s experience and guidance have brought much-needed structure and professionalism to the squad, making her a central figure in the club’s early history.
Expressing her excitement about the contract extension, Priest shared her gratitude and optimism for the team’s future. “I’m delighted to have signed a new two-year deal with Glamorgan,” she said.
“I’m extremely thankful for the opportunity and for the trust the club has shown in me. It’s a privilege to be part of such a dedicated and talented group, and I’m excited about the direction we’re heading as a team.”
As she leads Glamorgan Women till they achieve full professional Tier 1 status by 2027, Priest’s international experience will be crucial in nurturing local talent and establishing the team as a competitive force.
Before transitioning into coaching, Rachel Priest had a remarkable international career with the New Zealand White Ferns, playing in 87 Women’s One-Day Internationals (WODIs) and 75 T20 Internationals from 2007 to 2020.
Known for her aggressive batting and sharp wicket-keeping skills, she scored over 1,600 WODI runs, including two centuries and nine fifties. Her standout performance came in 2015 when she hit a stunning 157 against Sri Lanka, marking one of the highest individual scores in women’s ODI history.
Beyond her national team accomplishments, Priest has played in top-tier franchise tournaments, including the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) and The Hundred, representing teams like Melbourne Renegades, Sydney Thunder, Hobart Hurricanes and Trent Rockets. Her experiences in high-level competition have shaped her coaching philosophy and continue to inform her approach at Glamorgan.
With Rachel Priest leading the way, Glamorgan Women are on track for sustained growth and success. Her commitment to player development, professionalism, and team culture aligns seamlessly with the county’s goals of establishing themselves as a formidable side before their elevation to Tier 1 rank in 2027.
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