Cricket Ireland has appointed former international Ed Joyce as the new High Performance Batting Coach for the men’s senior team. Joyce, who notably represented both Ireland and England during his distinguished playing career—including 19 appearances for England—will immediately assume his duties, focusing on both the senior men’s squad and the wider male talent pathway.
This appointment marks a transition for Joyce, who previously served as the head coach of the Ireland Women’s team for six years. After retiring from international cricket, he took the helm of the women’s side in 2019, steering the program through a period of significant development and enhanced competitive performance before concluding his tenure in February 2025. In his new capacity, he will work in close coordination with Ireland men’s head coach Gary Wilson and High Performance director Graeme West.
Highlighting the value of the appointment, Graeme West remarked that Joyce has been an absolute asset to Irish cricket, whether as a player or a coach. West emphasized that Joyce’s reputation as a technically proficient batter, combined with his proven coaching acumen during his time with the women’s team, makes him an ideal addition to the coaching staff. With an intensive off-season schedule ahead, the board prioritized bringing him into the fold immediately to assist the squad.
Reflecting on his new role, Joyce expressed that staying involved with Irish cricket has remained a top priority since his retirement from play. He noted that his time working with the women’s team solidified his desire to focus on player development, specifically concerning batting technique and psychological approach. He observed that while the sport has evolved, the fundamental requirements for high-level success remain constant.
“Despite the power game coming to the fore, having a sound technique and a positive mindset are still crucial aspects for any batter at this level,” Joyce stated. “When I look at the Ireland Men’s side over recent years, it’s obvious to see the amount of hard work that has gone on behind-the-scenes in preparing our players to be competitive on the international stage.” He added that he intends to contribute his experience to help the batting unit achieve greater consistency, emphasizing that the raw talent is already present within the current group. I look forward to getting involved in this work and perhaps adding some insights and knowledge to push the batting group forward.
