Russell Domingo has left his role as men’s head coach at Hampshire Cricket.

The 52-year-old South African joined Hampshire ahead of the 2026 season on a two-year deal, leading the side to Vitality Blast Finals Day.

Despite another strong T20 campaign, the club suffered relegation to Division Two of the County Championship which ended a 12-year stay in the top flight.

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Reset needed

After narrowly escaping the drop on the final day in 2024, Hampshire appointed the former South Africa and Bangladesh head coach to replace his compatriot Adi Birrell.

Domingo was unable to turn around their red-ball fortunes though, winning just two games and collecting a miserly four batting bonus points as they finished bottom of Division One on 98 points – 38 adrift of eighth-placed Essex.

Upon confirmation of relegation in September, Domingo himself admitted that the club needed a reset across all departments – and they have made progress in revamping the squad ahead of 2027 with all-rounder Saif Zaib a big coup from Northamptonshire, joining new arrivals Rishi Patel and Fynn Hudson-Prentice who were announced midway through the season.

But Domingo will not oversee Hampshire challenge for an immediate Division One return, with South Africa’s revamped domestic structure running until the end of April where he is in charge of the Johannesburg-based Lions team.

The process for appointing a successor is now underway.

Bright future ahead

Russell Domingo said: “I’d like to thank everyone at Hampshire Cricket for the opportunity to be part of the Club over the past season.

“Hampshire is a special club with a proud history, passionate supporters and a talented group of players and staff.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and valued the relationships I’ve built across the club.

“My focus is now on my coaching commitments in South Africa, and I leave knowing the club has a talented group of players and staff and a bright future ahead.”

Hampshire director of cricket Giles White added: “We would like to thank Russell for his efforts during his time at Hampshire Cricket.

“On behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to wish Russell and his family every success for the future.

“We are focused on appointing a new men’s head coach and ensuring we are in the strongest possible position to challenge for promotion back to Division One, while continuing our success in limited-overs cricket.”