Former BLACKCAP Ken Rutherford has been appointed as the Chairman of Selectors for the Northern Districts Men's and Northern Districts A sides, effective immediately.   

Rutherford, who played 56 Tests and 121 One-Day Internationals for New Zealand between 1985 and 1995 - three years of those as Captain, and a First Class career that spanned for over 17 years - took up the new position just before the contracting period began. 

Peter Roach, CEO of Northern Districts Cricket is pleased with the appointment. "Ken Rutherford is a prominent figure in cricketing circles, and his experience from a significant cricket career will prove invaluable as he leads the selection panel for our premier men's teams.  Ken knows us well as he has been involved with our Association for two years as a member of our board, a position he has stepped down from to undertake his new responsibilities."

Rutherford is excited about identifying the potential within the Northern Districts talent pool saying "I am looking forward to playing a part in the success of the players, the coaches and the Association as a whole during the coming season. It is an exciting time for Northern Districts Cricket and I feel privileged to be in a position of influence."

"There is undoubted untapped potential and promise in our region. What excites me most is that the established players such as Daniel Flynn, Anton Devcich and Dean Brownlie have considerable upside in terms of what they can achieve. They have been past BLACKCAP players and can be again. The foundations are in place with a nice balance between experience and youth. Couple that with an expert coaching staff led by James Pamment and all indications suggest a rewarding summer of cricket ahead for the Knights and Northern Districts."

Rutherford's first responsibility in the new role will be overseeing the selection of the Northern Districts squad to play in the first Plunket Shield match against Canterbury in Christchurch on 22 October.