New Zealand bowler Neil Wagner in action during play on day one of the New Zealand vs Bangladesh cricket test at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. Photo/NZME
New Zealand bowler Neil Wagner in action during play on day one of the New Zealand vs Bangladesh cricket test at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. Photo/NZME
New Zealand Black Cap Neil Wagner has confirmed he is leaving Otago Cricket and moving to Tauranga.
Wagner will join the Northern Districts for the 2018/19 season.
The star cricketer joins Black Cap captain Kane Williamson and bowler Trent Boult in calling Tauranga home.
Wagner shifted homes from Mosgiel toTauranga, making it logistically difficult for him to continue to represent Otago.
Having arrived in Otago from South Africa in 2008, Wagner went on to play 190 matches for the Volts overall, taking 579 wickets.
"It's extremely tough to leave Otago; a region that has been extremely good to me and I've been honoured to represent," said Wagner.
"Otago Cricket gave me my first opportunity in New Zealand and for that I'll be eternally grateful. I want to thank all my past and present teammates, the staff at Otago Cricket and the Otago fans for the support they've given me over the past 10 years. Otago will always hold a special place in my heart.
"Having recently moved to Tauranga, logistically it makes sense to represent Northern Districts and I thank them for the exciting new opportunity."
Otago Cricket chief executive Mike Coggan also thanked Wagner for his contribution to the province.
Lana and Neil Wagner at the NZ Cricket Awards. Photo/file
"Undoubtedly Neil will be a huge loss to Otago, but at the same time we wish him all the very best as he moves onto new beginnings," said Coggan.
"He's been a huge part of Otago Cricket for a decade and we will miss his big smile and personality."
Otago Volts Coach Rob Walter added his gratitude for the outgoing 32-year-old.
"Losing a player of the quality of Neil will always leave a hole in your team, but I fully understand his reasons. Neil is a passionate cricketer who gives 100 per cent every time as he did so for Otago for many years," said Walter.
"I wish him well in this next chapter, he deserves whatever successes come his way."
The process for announcing domestic contracts will begin in mid-June.
