Northern Districts today confirmed that Gareth Hopkins has signed a 2 year agreement to coach the Knights in the national Super Smash T20 competition.   Wicketkeeper/batsman Hopkins began his cricketing career with Northern Districts, raised in Taupo and representing Northern Districts in age group tournaments up to senior level.   A 17 year professional career then followed representing Northern Districts, Otago, Canterbury, Auckland and the BLACKCAPS.  His five year captaincy stint with Auckland (2009/10 - 2013/14) oversaw 4 domestic trophies including back to back T20 titles.   Since retiring in April 2014 Hopkins has relocated to Tauranga with his young family. 

Director of High Performance Programmes for ND Peter Zanzottera believes that Hopkins will be a great addition to the Northern Districts coaching line-up, and is confident that he will successfully crossover from player to coach in his first high profile coaching role. Saying "The feedback we received about Gareth as a person and a leader has been very positive - he is regarded as one of the strongest captains in the modern domestic game who led with intelligence and integrity. We believe Gareth has all the personal and professional skills to fit what we are looking for, and we are excited to add him to what is already a high quality coaching staff."

Hopkins will be the Knights T20 specialist coach, while current coach James Pamment will continue to oversee Northern Districts in the Plunket Shield and Ford Trophy competitions.

The domestic contracts list are due to be announced this month.