Belliss stays with the Blackjacks

Peter Belliss will coach the Blackjacks alongside Sharon Sims.

Whanganui's Peter Belliss MBE has been retained in his role in the Blackjacks coaching lineup after changes to the regime were announced yesterday.

Dave Edwards, after 10 years in the job, had already confirmed his resignation as national coach and convenor of selectors, and Bowls NZ chief executive Kerry Clark announced Palmerston North's Sharon Sims MNZM will join from December 12, the day after the world championships.

Bellis has been assistant coach to Edwards since 2014 and Clark said he will now join Sims in both selection and coaching the Blackjacks.

"Within the world of bowls, neither Sims nor Belliss need any introduction," said the press release.

"While playing, both won world titles and subsequently both have been inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Clark said the pairing was the "obvious choice".

"While their past exploits on the green are as good as you can get it is actually the off green components that make their appointments critical ones for the team.

"Having both been assistants to Dave, their appointments give us continuity in all the key areas of culture, values and of course selection.

"For the team it means it is largely business as usual."

Sims and Belliss will now work towards the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.

They will be joined by two assistant coaches, to be announced after the world championships.