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Adrian Birrell, the former Ireland and England Under-19 coach, has been named as first-team manager at Hampshire, and joins the club on a three-year deal following the departure of Craig White last summer. Birrell, who was South Africa's assistant coach for four years from 2013 to 2017, was most recently in charge of Paarl Rocks in the inaugural Mzansi Super League, where he helped guide the side to the knock-outs. After a long first-class career with Eastern Province, made his name as a coach during his successful stint with Ireland from 2002 to 2007, a run which culminated in their memorable progression to the Super Eights in the 2007 World Cup, following their famous win over Pakistan at Sabina Park. He was then named England U19 Head Coach in 2010, before joining South Africa's coaching set-up under Russell Domingo. "I am honoured and delighted to be appointed as the Hampshire First Team Manager," said Birrell. "While I was with the Proteas, we played at the Ageas Bowl in 2017 and I was very impressed with the world-class facilities. "I am very excited to be working with such a talented group of cricketers and look forward to competing for honours in all three formats - it is a wonderful opportunity for me personally and I can't wait to get started in the new year." Giles White, Hampshire's director of cricket, added: "Adi is someone who is well respected throughout the cricketing world and has a reputation for improving individual and team performance. "He brings experience, a sense of enjoyment and a genuine passion for the game and the people that play it - I'm looking forward to working with him." Birrell will join up with the Hampshire squad in March, leading the squad during their pre-season tour and friendly matches ahead of the commencement of the 2019 season in April.
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