Captain Du Plooy and boss Coleman to leave Middlesex

Middlesex captain Leus du Plooy and director of cricket Alan Coleman have both decided to leave the club at the end of the year.

Du Plooy's deal at Lord's, which was due to expire in 2027, relied on him being qualified as a local player, but he has opted to pursue a South Africa international cap, making him an overseas player from next year.

"An opportunity has arisen for me to explore the possibility of representing South Africa, and I feel that I owe it to myself to see where that opportunity might lead," the 31-year-old told Middlesex's website, external.

On announcing his own departure after five years as director of cricket, Coleman said: "I am proud of what has been achieved in what is widely known as one of the most difficult periods, off the field, the club has faced."

Du Plooy joined Middlesex in 2024, having spent the previous five years at Derbyshire.

The left-handed batter has scored 2,795 runs in first-class cricket for Middlesex, at an average of 51.75, with seven centuries, including a high score of 263 not out against Gloucestershire at Lord's in 2025.

He took over as captain of Middlesex in June that year.

Coleman has been director of cricket at Middlesex since the end of 2021, when he took on the role following the departure of Stuart Law as head coach. He had previously been an assistant coach and academy director.

During his time at the helm, Middlesex men were promoted to Division One of the County Championship in 2022, while the women's team won the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy in 2024.

Coleman will remain in post until at least the end of the year, overseeing the start of the winter training programme and aiding in the transition period, the club said.

Meanwhile, Middlesex have also announced the signing of 32-year-old New Zealander seam bowler Danru Ferns for the final three Championship matches.