Renowned New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor has ended his retirement from international cricket. The 41-year-old, however, will not play for New Zealand, but will instead represent Samoa. Taylor is set to feature for the Pacific island nation in the East Asia Pacific Qualifier 2025, part of the road to the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Taylor took to social media to share an emotional message, officially confirming his return to international cricket with Samoa.
“Coming out of retirement,” Taylor said in an Instagram post on Friday, September 5.
“It’s official – I’m proud to announce that I’ll be pulling on the blue and representing Samoa in cricket. This is more than just a return to the game I love – it’s the huge honour to represent my heritage, culture, villages, and family. I’m excited for the opportunity to give back to the game, join the squad, and share my experience on and off the field,” he said.
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Ross Taylor’s Eligibility To Play For Samoa Explained
Taylor, eligible for a Samoan passport through his mother’s lineage, can now play for a second national team after observing the mandatory three-year gap following his last match for New Zealand in April 2022. He often speaks of his Samoan roots and cites Kilikiti, the traditional Pacific Island cricket, as a major influence on his early career.
Taylor’s longtime friend and former New Zealand cricketer, Tarun Nethula—now Samoa’s head coach—was instrumental in persuading him to join the Samoan squad aiming for a spot in next year’s T20 World Cup. On Friday, Taylor was officially included in Samoa’s squad for the East Asia Pacific Qualifier, starting in Oman on October 8.
Ross Taylor holds the record for the most international appearances for New Zealand. Since his debut in 2006, he has played 112 Tests, 236 ODIs, and 102 T20Is, scoring over 18,000 runs. He was also part of the New Zealand team that clinched the 2021 World Test Championship, defeating India in the final.
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