Pierre de Bruyn Appointed as Head Coach of Netherlands Women's Cricket Team

Pierre de Bruyn has been named the new head coach of the Netherlands women's cricket team, set to begin his role on August 1. With a rich coaching background, including leading Namibia to the T20 World Cup, de Bruyn is eager to work with a talented Dutch squad that recently qualified for a major tournament. Outgoing coach Neil MacRae reflects on the team's hard work and dedication that led to this achievement, wishing de Bruyn success in his new role. Read on to learn more about de Bruyn's vision for the team and the journey ahead.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 13, 2026, 19:41 IST

New Leadership for the Netherlands Women's Team

Pierre de Bruyn has been officially appointed as the head coach of the Netherlands women's cricket team, effective from August 1. He takes over the role from Neil MacRae, as announced by the Royal Dutch Cricket Federation (KNBC).

Coaching Experience of Pierre de Bruyn

Born on March 31, 1977, Pierre de Bruyn had a professional cricket career that lasted until 2010, concluding with the Dolphins in South Africa. Following his retirement, he transitioned into coaching, becoming the head coach of Leicestershire CCC in 2016. Notably, he led Namibia's men's team to qualify for the 2021 T20 World Cup, marking their first appearance in the tournament's final stage since 1996. Since April 2025, he has been the head coach of the Fidelity Titans women's team in South Africa.

De Bruyn's Enthusiasm for the New Role

Expressing his excitement about joining the Netherlands team, de Bruyn praised the squad for their talent and determination in qualifying for a major tournament. He extended his gratitude to KNBC CEO Jacques Faul and Titans Cricket for their support during his tenure. "I am thrilled to start with the Dutch squad, a talented group that has achieved qualification for the big stage, showcasing their willpower and potential. I appreciate Dr. Jacques Faul and Titans Cricket for their support and wish the team all the best moving forward," de Bruyn stated.

Neil MacRae Reflects on His Tenure

Neil MacRae, the outgoing coach, reflected on his time with the Netherlands women's team, noting that their qualification for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup was the result of two years of hard work and dedication from the players. He wished de Bruyn success in further developing the team. "It has been a pleasure to work with the Netherlands women's team, and their qualification for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup is a testament to the players' commitment. I wish Pierre every success as he leads them into the next phase of their journey," MacRae commented.