Otago Cricket has announced its first 15 contracted players ahead of the 2026/27 domestic season, with two players earning their maiden domestic contracts following impressive performances throughout the 2025/26 campaign.

Thomas O'Connor and Tom Jones have accepted their first domestic contract offers and will join the Otago Volts contracted squad for the 2026/27 season. Andrew Hazeldine, Llew Johnson and Jake Gibson, who were contracted last season, do not feature in this first round of contracts.

Central Otago product, Thomas O'Connor emerged as one of the standout performers at the conclusion of last season, producing two match-winning displays during the Plunket Shield. O'Connor claimed 13/85 against Auckland before following up with 7/65 against Northern Districts. He also struck a vital 84 from 90 balls to help keep Otago's Plunket Shield campaign alive. Those performances established him as one of New Zealand's most promising young cricketers.

O'Connor expressed his excitement after receiving his first full domestic contract with his home province.

“I’m very excited for the season ahead. I think the group has made some excellent progress over the past couple of years, so I can’t wait to see where we can go in the coming season,” he said.

Auckland-born Tom Jones also enjoyed a breakthrough season, producing a series of impressive performances that secured his place on the contracted list for 2026/27. Jones made an immediate impact in first-class cricket, scoring a century on debut to become just the 13th player in Otago history to achieve the feat and the first since Darren Broom in 2009.

In addition to his domestic success, Jones captained the New Zealand Under-19 Men's side at the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup and continued to impress through his performances for Otago A. With a strong foundation already established, Jones will be looking to build on what has been an outstanding start to his domestic career. 

Jones, like O'Connor, was delighted to receive his first domestic contract.

“I’m really honoured to receive my first contract and can’t wait to get stuck into the season with the boys. Being a part of this group is so special, and it feels like we are building very nicely, so to be a part of it is incredibly exciting,” he said.

The 20-year-old said learning of his selection while alongside his parents made the occasion even more meaningful.

“I was with Mum and Dad when I found out, which was pretty cool because they’ve been such a huge part of the journey. It was special to share that moment with them.”

Otago Volts Head Coach Josh Tasman-Jones said he was excited to welcome O'Connor and Jones into the contracted group.

“We're excited to name a consistent squad while rewarding two young players, Thomas and Tom, from our pathway who have earned their opportunity.

“The belief we have in our squad and wider group made for robust and challenging contracting discussions. We're really excited to take a settled, confident group that is proud to represent Otago into next season. We'll hit the ground running come September with a real sense of unfinished business driving us forward.”

The Volts will also be able to call upon the services of BLACKCAPS Jacob Duffy and Glenn Phillips, who will be available to represent Otago when national commitments permit.

One further contract offer will be announced in the coming weeks to complete the Otago Volts squad for the 2026/27 season.

The first 15 contracted players for the 2026/27 season are:

Matt Bacon

Jack Boyle

Max Chu

Mason Clarke

Jacob Cumming

Zac Cumming

Danru Ferns

Luke Georgeson

Troy Johnson

Tom Jones*

Ben Lockrose

Jarrod McKay

Thomas O’Connor*

Thorn Parkes

Jamal Todd

*Denotes first domestic contract.

ENDS

Article added: Monday 06 July 2026