Russell Domingo has stepped down as Hampshire’s head coach following a challenging season at the club. Appointed in late 2025 to replace Adi Birrell, Domingo was unable to revitalise Hampshire’s performance in the County Championship, which saw the team relegated from Division One.
Hampshire narrowly avoided relegation in the previous season, thanks to a dramatic last-day collapse by Durham against Yorkshire. Despite performing well in T20 cricket, reaching the Blast Finals Day in five of the past six years, and maintaining impressive form in limited-overs competitions, their struggles in the Championship persisted. Additionally, the team failed to progress beyond the group stage in the One-Day Cup.
Having been balancing his role at Hampshire with coaching responsibilities for South Africa’s Lions, Domingo has now chosen to step down, prompting the club to seek a new head coach.
“I’d like to thank everyone at Hampshire Cricket for the opportunity to be part of the club over the past season,” Domingo commented. “Hampshire is a special club with a proud history, passionate supporters and a talented group of players and staff. I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and valued the relationships I’ve built across the club. My focus is now on my coaching commitments in South Africa, and I leave knowing the club has a talented group of players and staff and a bright future ahead.”
Director of cricket at Hampshire, Giles White, acknowledged Domingo’s efforts, stating, “We would like to thank Russell for his efforts during his time at Hampshire Cricket. On behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to wish Russell and his family every success for the future. We are focused on appointing a new men’s head coach and ensuring we are in the strongest possible position to challenge for promotion back to Division One, while continuing our success in limited-overs cricket.”
The club’s forthcoming focus will be on rebuilding and aiming for a swift return to Division One, all while nurturing their prowess in shorter formats of the game.
