Yorkshire Women Head Coach Richard Pyrah has been appointed Head Coach of the Melbourne Stars for the upcoming Weber WBBL season.
Pyrah will take up the role following the conclusion of the 2026 English season, with the Stars’ campaign set to begin against Sydney Thunder on 12 October.
The 43-year-old is currently in his third season as Head Coach of the Club’s Tier 1 side, having joined Yorkshire in 2024, and has also recently completed his first season as an Assistant Coach with Sunrisers Leeds in The Hundred.
During his three seasons with Yorkshire Women so far, Pyrah has overseen the team’s continued development, including the Club’s inaugural season in Tier 1 under the new English domestic structure. Yorkshire currently sit eighth in the Metro Bank One Day Cup Women table, going into the final stages of the season.
Pyrah’s appointment with the Stars adds another chapter to a coaching career that has spanned both sides of the world. He previously held consultant coaching roles with Melbourne Renegades and Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League between 2015 and 2017, while also working in a variety of coaching roles within the England Cricket pathway.
Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
Commenting on his appointment, Gavin Hamilton, General Manager of Cricket, said:
“Rich has made a significant contribution to Yorkshire Women since taking on the role of Head Coach, and we’re delighted to see him earn this opportunity with the Melbourne Stars.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for Rich to take his coaching experience into the WBBL and continue his development on the international stage. We’re proud of the recognition this appointment brings to both Rich and Yorkshire Cricket, and we look forward to seeing him take on this exciting new challenge.”
His appointment continues Yorkshire’s strong links with elite cricket around the world and provides further recognition of the quality of coaching talent within the Club.
