Sussex coach Paul Farbrace is leaving the county to become director of cricket at Lancashire.
The former England assistant coach stood down as Sussex head coach at the end of the season and was due to become part-time director of cricket with the club from next month.
But he has accepted the chance to help revitalise Lancashire’s fortunes after a torrid campaign.
The Red Rose county finished second bottom in Division Two of the Rothesay County Championship – their worst-ever season.
The experienced 59-year-old, who briefly led England’s men on an interim basis in 2015 and previously held the director of cricket role at Warwickshire, said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Lancashire Cricket and I can’t wait to get started.
“I look forward to playing my part in helping Lancashire challenge for trophies and to develop teams that the members and supporters can be very proud of.”
Sussex said: “Paul Farbrace has informed Sussex Cricket of his decision to leave the club at the end of October to join Lancashire Cricket Club as director of cricket.
“Earlier this season, Farbrace announced his decision to step down as head coach a year earlier than contracted, making way for Matt Walker to join as the men’s first-team head coach, weeks after helping steer Warwickshire to the 2026 Rothesay County Championship Division One title as the club’s batting coach.
“Farbrace was due to assume the role of director of cricket at Sussex on a part-time basis from November. However, after four years at the County Ground, he leaves for Lancashire at the end of this month.”
Farbrace said: “It is with mixed emotions that I am leaving Sussex Cricket after four years. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Hove, working with so many great people, right across the whole club.
“I will always be grateful to Sussex Cricket for giving me the honour of being head coach and allowing me to work with a fabulous group of players and staff.
“A huge thank you to all of the coaches, support staff and everybody who works at the club for getting behind the team, working so hard to give the players the best chance of success.
“To all of the players who have played for Sussex in the last four years, a big thank you for your hard work, high level of skill and making it so much fun.
“I would to thank the supporters and members for their amazing support, their kindness and being so passionate about their club and making me feel so welcome.”
Farbrace joined Sussex in December 2022 and has overseen a period of significant success, including winning the County Championship Division Two title in 2024, securing promotion to the First Division for the first time in 10 years. Sussex achieved a T20 Blast Finals Day appearance that same year.
This season, Farbrace signed off with a commendable third-place finish in the club’s second season back in the top flight.
Ed Warner, chair of Sussex Cricket, said: “Paul leaves Sussex Cricket on a high and with our very best wishes.
“The performances of our men’s team in the County Championship during his four seasons with us will stand as an enduring record of the excellence of Paul’s coaching and of his leadership.
“Promotion in 2024, a third-place finish in Division One this season and an exciting squad of players constitute a platform on which we expect to build under Matt Walker’s stewardship in 2027 and beyond.
“I would like to thank Paul on behalf of all Sussex fans, members, players and staff and wish him success in the future.”
The club added: “Affectionately known by supporters, members and staff as ‘Farby’, Farbrace has helped assemble a competitive squad of players, having played a key role in the development of young talent at the club, the majority of which will be representing Matt Walker’s new-look Sussex in 2027.
Acting chief executive Alex Paterson said: “We wish Paul well for the future and thank him for his significant contributions. It has been a joy to watch our teams play this year.
“We look forward to working with Matt Walker and the energy, leadership and successful track record that he will bring.”
Paterson said that Walker was due to start full time at Sussex on Sunday 1 November, adding that his planning with the club for next season was already well advanced.
