New coach to lead Netherlands after Women’s T20 World Cup
The new coach will take over the Netherlands' women's team from Neil McRae.
Pierre de Bruyn has been appointed the new head coach of the Netherlands' women's team and will assume the role from 1 August.
He succeeds Neil McRae, who will move on to Jersey men’s team after Netherlands' Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, who are set for their debut in the women's marquee event.
De Bruyn had an impressive professional career in South Africa and played his last competitive cricket in 2010.
After his playing career, he has built an impressive career as a cricket coach. In 2016, he became head coach of the English county Leicestershire. In 2021, the Namibian men's national team qualified for the T20 World Cup in 2021 under his leadership.
From April 2025, De Bruyn was head coach of the Fidelity Titans women's team in South Africa.
USA v Netherlands | Match Highlights | Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier
Netherlands qualify for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a 21-run (DLS method) victory over the USA.
De Bruyn was pleased to join the Dutch setup.
“I am very excited to get started with the Dutch squad, a talented group that managed to qualify for the big stage which is a great achievement. It illustrates the willpower and potential of these players.”
On the other hand, McRae wished De Bruyn luck while also looking back at his tenure.
“It has been great to work with the Netherlands women’s team, with qualification for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup the culmination of two years of hard work and dedication by the players. We wish Pierre every success in continuing the development of the team as he leads them in the next phase of their journey.”
Netherlands will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Bangladesh on 14 June in Edgbaston, Birmingham. They've already named their squad for the event.