Black Caps v England: Devon Conway wants to end freelance status, seeks return to fulltime contract

Black Caps batter Devon Conway is ready to end his New Zealand Cricket central contract exile, and recommit full-time to the national organisation.

The 34-year-old opted out of a national contract in 2024, and has been casually contracted to New Zealand Cricket (NZC) ever since.

As central contracts dictate players must be available for domestic cricket through the home summer, notably in the crowded January window, tournaments in South Africa, Australia and the UAE have proven too tempting for some of New Zealand’s best and brightest.

Conway stepping back has allowed him to take up two deals in South Africa’s SA20 competition – playing for Johannesburg Super Kings in 2025 and Durban’s Super Giants this year.

He wasn’t alone. Kane Williamson, Finn Allen, Tim Seifert and Lockie Ferguson have also taken up casual deals, which effectively leave them available for national selection if it doesn’t clash with franchise commitments.

But now, as the Black Caps prepare for a block of 14 tests in 12 months, Conway wants to re-commit to national selection.

Re-signing with NZC would make Conway the first player to return to a central contract after going down the casual route.

NZC’s contracting process sees the top 20 men and 17 women ranked by the high performance unit, and paid according to that ranking.

And while a Black Caps selector told the Herald last week that the ranking process is ongoing, Conway outlines he wants to be in the mix.

“We haven’t had any conversations around it at this stage, but it probably would be something I’d look to pursue,” he told the Herald.

“It would be nice being fully contracted and committed to New Zealand Cricket, as I’ve always been. Throughout being casually contracted, I’ve always been committed.

Devon Conway celebrates his half-century for the Black Caps against the West Indies in Napier. Photo / Photosport

“The beauty of having that casual contract over the last two years has just allowed me the freedom to play abroad during that January window.

“The 11 months outside that block, I’ve been fully available for New Zealand selection.

“But with [14] tests coming up, I’m certainly committed to New Zealand Cricket to try and opt for a full contract – if that’s available.”

While his contract status may be up in the air, Conway’s commitment definitely isn’t.

Earlier this year, Conway ended his time in South Africa to chase a Black Caps spot at the T20 World Cup – and gave up thousands of dollars to do it.

What’s more, having a player of Conway’s status as an all-format regular, would be nothing but a win for NZC at a time of great change in the sport.

With an already crowded international schedule, players from all countries face difficult choices over the pride in representing their country, against the financial rewards of the club game.

Further complicating the matter, the game’s governing body has gone to lengths to schedule at least one World Cup-style event every year until 2031 at the earliest.

That, then, leaves players approaching the end of their careers with the dilemma of planning for the end of their careers, or going around once more for another chance at silverware.

For Conway, though, a full year of test cricket comes first and foremost.

“I’m not a big planner,” he explained. “For me, we’re going into a test block, that’s exciting.

“When you get to the end of that, what’s next? An ODI World Cup in ‘27 in South Africa, that could be pretty cool.

“I don’t really think about that, because it’s about the test stuff now. It’s about prepping and knowing the greater goal for the World Test Championship.

“I forget about my age, I try to make sure I’m fit - [turning] 35, time’s no longer on my side. But as long as I’m fit, giving to the team, doing my job and trying to improve, it’s as simple as that.”

Alex Powell is a sports journalist for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016.