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Ross Taylor: Why I ended my international retirement to play for Samoa
Jaxin Daniels • September 9th, 2025 3:32 pm
Ross Taylor and family after his final international game for New Zealand | Photo: Bruce Lim / Photosport NZ
Last week, Ross Taylor announced his return to the international cricket stage, joining Samoa on their quest for 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup qualification.
Taylor told Sport Nation Mornings what was behind into the decision.
“Too many pros, not enough cons," he told co-host Ian Smith.
“I was first told the idea in October last year.
“My late mother is of Samoan heritage, I ran it past her and she said it’s really up to me, but I know that she would be extremely proud that I’m representing the country of her birth.”
Ross Taylor, playing his final international game for New Zealand | Photo: Bruce Lim / Photosport NZ
Taylor is known for his aggressive running between the wickets and donning the No. 3, one of which he can guarantee is translating to his return.
“The first question the captain asked was what shirt number I would like,” Taylor mentioned.
“If three was available I’d take it, but they held it for me which was nice.
“We gotta see how these calves and hammies hold up.
“There was always a bit of talk around Kane (Williamson) and I’s running between the wickets but we didn’t get run out as much as Martin Crowe and Andrew Jones.”
Taylor may have retired from international cricket in 2022, but he has not been away from the crease long.
“I mean obviously I haven’t been able to train day to day, but there has been some Masters cricket.
“A lot of first class cricketers are still playing, it’s not quite the same standard obviously, but it’s not as if I haven’t played any type of cricket for two or three years.”
Samoa haven’t made an appearance in a T20 World Cup and Taylor thinks just the qualifying environment can benefit Samoan cricket.
“I think it would be massive.”
“Samoa is a very proud sporting nation, especially when it comes to Rugby and Rugby League, but I think it’s a long-term play.
Former Black Caps batsman Ross Taylor | Photo: Brett Phibbs / Photosport NZ
“With the World Cup in New Zealand and Australia in 2028, it would be fantastic to make this tournament but it’s also seeing a few of these players get experience at this level.
“Who’s to say that a few of these players can’t do the opposite of what I’ve done, play for Samoa then play for New Zealand or Australia.”
Shifting from a professional cricket setup into an amateur setup, Taylor definitely notices the difference.
“The resources are pretty small,” Taylor said.
“The physio messaged yesterday, ‘Boys bring your panadol, your Ibuprofen, your own electrolytes and your own voltaren and tape’. It’s going to be different but at the end of the day you just got to get on with it.
"We are an amateur team and look forward to representing the team and Samoa with pride.”
Taylor and the Samoan team play Oman on October 8th in the opening match of the Asia and East Asia Pacific Qualifier.
