Rixon Resigns with Blues

Former Australian wicket-keeper Steve Rixon has resigned with the NSW Blues as coach for the 2003-04 season.

Rixon, who coached the side to the Pura Cup and ING Cup double last summer, was being courted by Sri Lanka and New Zealand to coach their national side.

However, he stated that he has 'unfinished business' in New South Wales and would remain as head coach until at least the end of the 2003/04 summer.

Uncertainty remains over the future of former Test batsman Mark Waugh, who has still to announce whether he will play on or not next summer, as has opening batsman Michael Slater.

However, Rixon remains confident Slater will bat on next summer:

"I had talks with Michael just prior to him leaving to go overseas and our final words were he'd be back in July ready to fire up for the pre-season, As far as I'm concerned, Michael will play."

Rixon has thus far lead a highly distinguished coaching career, currently in his second term with the Blues and also having coached the New Zealand national side for a number of seasons.

Posted by Andre