Otago Cricket Association has announced its 16th and final contracted player for the 2026/27 season, with promising fast bowler Toby Hart earning his first domestic contract. 

Originally from Queenstown, Hart developed his cricket through Queenstown Cricket Club, Wakatipu High School and Otago Country representative teams at age-group and Hawke Cup level. Now playing for Taieri Cricket Club in Dunedin, where he is based, Hart has continued to impress at club level while progressing through Otago's age-group pathway, representing Otago A and several New Zealand Development XI sides in recent seasons. 

Hart becomes the latest player to progress through the Otago Cricket pathways system and secure a place in the Otago Volts contracted squad. 

Otago Cricket General Manager Performance Steve Martin said Hart's contract was another success story for the association's development pathway. 

“He joins a number of local players who have come through the Otago Pathway system and gone on to receive contracts. The talent identification and development processes over the past five-plus years, through the hard work of our pathway managers and coaches, are now bearing fruit. 

“Toby is a shining example of hard work and persistence, and he has been rewarded with his first contract.” 

Hart was thrilled to receive news of his contract and was able to share the moment with his parents shortly afterwards. 

“Tazzy (Josh Tasman-Jones) called me in the middle of a lecture, and he told me the good news, I couldn’t focus for the rest of it. 

“I then called Mum and Dad and they drove straight down to buy me dinner, so we had a great night calling family and sharing the news. There were a few tears, but everyone was stoked. It was pretty special.” 

Hart credited the many coaches, teammates and supporters who have helped him throughout his cricketing journey. 

“There are so many people around here who have put time and effort into helping me over the years, so to now see it all come together is pretty special. 

“To do it alongside some of the Otago Country lads who have come through the system is really cool and hopefully shows young players back home that it is possible. Everyone throughout the Otago Country region and wider Otago Cricket community has played a part in helping me get to this point.” 

The young pace bowler is eager to begin the next chapter of his career and is excited by the direction of the Volts squad. 

“The team’s looking pretty nice. If we can continue to grow together, it’ll be pretty cool to see what we can achieve.” 

Otago Volts Head Coach Josh Tasman-Jones said Hart had earned his opportunity through his performances, attitude and commitment to the team environment. 

“We’re really happy for Toby to be picking up our 16th contract and to have another cricketer from our pathway and Otago A system round out our squad for 2026/27. 

“Toby epitomises everything we ask of our players – he has a strong work ethic, is a team man through and through, and has already taken with both hands the opportunities he has had with the Volts. 

“We believe he has a bright and long future in the blue and gold ahead of him. We’re excited that he is now able to focus on his cricket full-time and continue to maximise his potential.” 

The Otago Volts contracted players for the 2026/27 season are: 

Matt Bacon 

Jack Boyle 

Max Chu 

Mason Clarke 

Jacob Cumming 

Zac Cumming 

Danru Ferns 

Luke Georgeson 

Toby Hart*

Troy Johnson 

Tom Jones* 

Ben Lockrose 

Jarrod McKay 

Thomas O’Connor* 

Thorn Parkes 

Jamal Todd 

*Denotes first domestic contract. 

ENDS

Article added: Tuesday 21 July 2026