Melbourne Stars have appointed Richard Pyrah as head coach for the 2026–27 WBBL season. The 43-year-old succeeds Andy Christie, who moves to an assistant role while remaining head coach of Victoria’s WNCL side.
Pyrah’s background
Pyrah has coached in both women’s and men’s cricket. He is in his third season in charge of Yorkshire’s women’s programme and has been an assistant with Sunrisers Leeds in the Women’s Hundred. He also gained Australian experience as a consultant with Melbourne Renegades and Adelaide Strikers between 2015 and 2017.
Stars general manager James Rosengarten pointed to his wide-ranging coaching background and the varied skills he can bring.
Continuity and change
Christie led the Stars to the WBBL knockout stage last season, where they lost to Perth Scorchers. Moving to an assistant role lets him concentrate on his Victoria duties.
Pyrah has recent links with Victorian players. At Sunrisers Leeds he coached Stars captain Annabel Sutherland, who was named Player of the Season as the team reached the Women’s Hundred final.
A wider shake-up
The appointments are part of a broader reshuffle in Australian women’s domestic cricket. Melbourne Renegades have named Gavan Twining as WBBL head coach in place of Simon Helmot.
Under Pyrah, the Stars will try to build on last season’s knockout appearance in 2026–27.
