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DUBLIN – Cricket Ireland has today announced that former South African international Claire Terblanche has been appointed the new Scorchers head coach for the 2023 Super Series.

Terblanche replaces Glenn Querl who has moved to a full-time role in the women’s high performance system.

38-year old Terblanche played 27 times for South Africa Women (one Test, 21 ODIs, and five T20Is), making her last international appearance in March 2009 against Australia.

She holds a Level 3 coaching qualification and was named Coach of the Year 2021-22 by the Western Province Cricket Association. Terblanche has coached Western Province Women’s team and the Starlights in the South African Women’s T20 Super League.

Earlier this year, Terblanche was appointed head coach of Phoenix Cricket Club’s Women’s section for the 2023 season and will continue to do this role alongside her duties with the Scorchers.

Speaking ahead of the first Super Series match on Monday, Terblanche said:

“It’s a great feeling to be named the new Scorchers head coach. I know they’ve had a couple of really good seasons under Glenn’s leadership and I’m hoping to fit in quickly and take it forward again. They’re a team that play well together and that’s something that gives them a leg up in the Super Series. I’m hoping that the team can continue to improve this season – and my message will be that a team that plays for each other is team that is difficult to beat. As a team, it’s important to create a synergy, especially between captain and vice-captain and the head coach. That synergy can then permeate through the rest of the team.

“I saw the Irish girls up close at the T20 World Cup, as I was fortunate to be named their Liaison Officer at the tournament. The brand of cricket that they showed there was amazing – you could see the work they had obviously put in and what they were trying to do. Hopefully during my time in Ireland, I can add to that bigger picture and help Ed Joyce to further create that approach down the rungs at the Super Series level. That way it makes things easier for him as players come through the Super Series and the club space.

“Overall, my involvement in the Super Series in Ireland will be a massive opportunity for me to gain some more experience and learn from the players who’ve been in this space for quite a while. I’m looking forward to learning a lot more from Ed, Glenn, and the players themselves.

“Personally speaking, I love everything about the game of cricket. But for me it’s a game that teaches you about life, because everything that happens in a cricket match happens in life – how you deal with pressure in different situations, how you get along with your teammates, different type of personalities, including management. It really gives you a full view of what life could be, all through the love of cricket. Whether you’re playing a match, or at training, it gives you some insight into life – and that’s what I actually love about the game.”

Ed Joyce, Ireland Women’s head coach, said:

“We’re delighted that Claire will be working within the Irish environment this summer and that she has agreed to the Scorchers head coach role. Her experience as both a player and coach will be a great addition, and I look forward to working with her within the high performance system.

“I first got to know Claire earlier this year at the Women’s T20 World Cup where she did an exceptional job as our Team Liaison Officer – and was pleased that she was, at the time, recently appointed as the Women’s Player/Coach at Phoenix Cricket Club.

“We would like to thank Phoenix CC for working with us to make Claire available for the Scorchers role while undertaking her important work heading up the Club’s women’s section.”