Middlesex have appointed former New Zealand batter Peter Fulton as their new head coach. He replaces Dane Vilas, who was serving the role in an interim capacity following the exit of Richard Johnson, who stepped down from the position after Middlesex’s indifferent start in the Championship and T20 Blast.

Fulton, who played 23 Tests for New Zealand from 2006 to 2014, will be on a three-year contract with the club, starting ahead of the 2026 season. The 47-year-old has moved on from Canterbury, having been their head coach since 2020.

Canterbury currently sit atop the one-day Ford Trophy table, having won the title in 2023-24 and 2024-25, while they are placed second in the Plunket Shield, New Zealand's domestic four-day competition.

Fulton oversaw Canterbury’s successful run to the Plunket Shield title in his maiden season in charge. Under his tutelage, several Canterbury players made it into New Zealand red- and white-ball squads. Before his time with Canterbury, Fulton also served as New Zealand's batting coach.

Fulton takes charge at a time when the club is in the midst of various off-field issues, having been put into special measures by the ECB over financial mismanagement, and a legal battle against former chief executive Richard Goatley.

"I am delighted to be joining Middlesex Cricket. I have always followed county cricket and wanted an opportunity to be a part of it," Fulton said. "The club has a rich history, and I can't wait to arrive and get to work on building a cricket team of which the club and supporters can continue to be very proud."

Alan Coleman, Middlesex's director of cricket, added: "I am delighted to be welcoming Peter to Middlesex Cricket, and I look forward to working closely with him over the coming years.

"After a thorough process with a number of high-quality candidates, Peter emerged as an ambitious, exciting and hugely talented coach, with a demonstrated proven track record of success in New Zealand domestic cricket with Canterbury. Along with this, he has helped produce a number of Black Cap players from his teams, with producing international players a key ambition of the club over the coming seasons.

"I'd like to thank Canterbury Cricket for allowing an early release of Peter's contract to allow him to join us for pre-season training. We look forward to welcoming Peter to Middlesex Cricket and Lord's."