Hampshire Women have confirmed Paul Prichard as their permanent head coach, securing his services for the next two years after he impressed during his interim stint in 2025. The former Essex captain stepped into the role in April, taking charge after Charlotte Edwards departed to become England Women’s head coach. What followed was a season that immediately strengthened his case for long-term leadership.
Under Prichard’s guidance, Hampshire reached the final of the One-Day Cup and finished at the top of the group-stage table with nine wins from fourteen matches. His familiarity with the setup played a pivotal role in that run.
Prichard first joined the environment in 2022, contributing as a batting coach for the Southern Vipers as well as assisting within the men’s and boys’ pathway at the ground. His steady presence during a period of transition made him the natural choice for the county once the search process began.
When speaking about his appointment, Prichard began by emphasising what the opportunity meant to him. “It’s a privilege to lead the group for another two years,” he said, acknowledging the trust placed in him. He reflected positively on his first season, adding, “I thoroughly enjoyed the role this year and enjoyed some success in reaching the final in the 50-over competition.”
As he evaluated the year more closely, he also highlighted where he believed the team needed to improve. “However, we weren’t where we wanted to be in the T20s,” he explained, before outlining his plans for the months ahead. “But this winter gives us an opportunity both as a group and individuals, to reset and work hard on our overall cricket with a view to being competitive in all competitions in 2026.”
Prichard’s coaching credentials are built on a distinguished playing career with Essex between 1982 and 2001. Over that period, he played more than 300 First-Class matches and scored over 16,000 runs, while also appearing in 299 List A games in which he accumulated more than 7,000 runs.
His time with the county brought sustained success, including four County Championship titles and two List A trophies, both of which he lifted as captain. That record of longevity, consistency, and leadership has shaped the coaching style he brings to Hampshire Women.
Adam Carty, the Regional Director of Women’s Cricket, praised the clarity and composure Prichard brought to the role when he took charge at short notice. “Paul did an excellent job last summer, stepping up at short notice, to lead the team to a final in his first year in the role,” Carty said, noting the significance of his contribution during an unsettled phase for the squad.
He also pointed to Prichard’s earlier work within the programme as an important foundation for the appointment, adding, “He’s been an important part of the group since he joined the women’s team in 2022 as a batting coach and we have full confidence that he will get the best out of the squad as we aim for silverware over the coming seasons.”
With the contract now confirmed, Hampshire Women enter a period of stability after a year shaped by change. The winter will allow Prichard and his players to refine their T20 approach while building on the strong 50-over structure established last season.
The next two years offer a clear runway for development, and both the club and the players believe Prichard’s leadership will be central to their ambitions heading into the 2026 campaign.
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