Du Plooy and Coleman to leave Middlesex

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

Du Plooy’s contract at Lord’s, which had been due to run until 2027, was tied to his status as a locally qualified player. The batter has now chosen to pursue international recognition with South Africa, a move that will make him an overseas player from next season.

“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 said.

Coleman, who is stepping down after five years in the role, 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 from Derbyshire in 2024 after five seasons at the Division One club, and was handed the Middlesex captaincy in June 2025. He has scored 2,795 first-class runs for the county at an average of 51.75, with seven centuries — his highest an unbeaten 263 against Gloucestershire at Lord’s in 2025.

Coleman took over as director of cricket at the end of 2021 following Stuart Law’s exit as head coach, having previously served as an assistant coach and academy director at the club. Middlesex’s men’s team won promotion to Division One of the County Championship in 2022 during his tenure, while the women’s side lifted the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy in 2024.

He is expected to stay in post until at least the end of the year, helping oversee the start of winter training and supporting the club through the transition.

Meanwhile, Middlesex have announced the signing of New Zealand seam bowler Danru Ferns, 32, for their final first-team appearances of the season.