Melbourne Renegades Get New WBBL Head Coach

Gavan Twining has been selected head coach of the Melbourne Renegades in the Women’s Big Bash League for the 2026-2027 season. Twining, who has been Australia’s assistant coach and fielding consultant since late 2024, will head the Renegades during the WBBL season before returning to the national team at the end of the competition.

Simon Helmot left the club in April to pursue opportunities in foreign franchise events, and Twining takes his place. Twining will join the Renegades after finishing his contract with the Australian women’s squad in October. The hire was officially confirmed on August 14, 2026.

Twining was a fielding mentor for Australia during their most recent Women’s T20 World Cup campaign. During his time in the national program, he worked closely with Sophie Molineux, the captain of both the national team and the Renegades.

“The Renegades have a good foundation and a talented group, and I’m excited to assist the players progress and expand on the club’s success. “Having participated in the Australian team’s World Cup campaign, I’m excited to bring those experiences to the Renegades environment and help produce performances that our members and fans can be proud of,” Twining said.

Before WBBL 12, what does Twining’s hiring signify for the Melbourne Renegades?

Cricket Victoria terminated connections with the Melbourne Renegades after deciding to sell its second BBL licence and focus solely on one franchise. As a result, Cricket Australia will now oversee the Renegades directly for the 2026-2027 season. Under the same arrangement, Luke Ronchi has been named head coach of the Renegades’ men’s BBL team.

Twining will not take part in the T20 Spring Challenge, which takes place in Sydney from October 9 to October 21. Clint McKay, the Melbourne Renegades’ high-performance manager, will take leadership of the team for the competition. After his national commitments are completed, Twining is expected to join the group.

What’s the forthcoming schedule, and when will Twining join the Melbourne Renegades?

Australia’s women’s cricket team will face Bangladesh in three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) at Allan Border Field in Brisbane on 9 October, 11 October and 14 October. On October 18, 20, and 22, the side will play three Twenty20 Internationals against New Zealand at North Sydney Oval. Before joining the Renegades, Twining will complete his national obligations in both series.