Louis Delport

Louis Johannes Delport has taken his final bow — or rather, his final backflip — for the Auckland Aces, when the charismatic left-arm spinner announced his retirement after the 2024/25 season.

One of New Zealand domestic cricket’s most entertaining characters, Delport left behind not just strong performances but also a legacy of infectious energy and ever-present smiles. No one lifted the mood in the sheds quite like the late-blooming South African.

Known for his celebratory backflips, Delport was far more than just a showman. He departed the professional game having made an impact across all three formats in the Aces cap.

His journey was far from conventional. After making his first-class and T20 debuts for Western Province in South Africa in late 2014, Delport emigrated to New Zealand and earned his first Auckland call-up in 2017/18. Even then, it would be another two seasons before he debuted in white-ball cricket for the Aces. From there, he made the most of every opportunity, finishing with 35 T20 wickets at just 22.17 and 51 List A wickets with best figures of 4/16.

His Plunket Shield career was equally memorable — including a tough day bowling to Tom Bruce during the latter’s historic 345, the third-highest score in New Zealand cricket history. Still, it’s his 7/88 and 7/78 hauls in back-to-back seasons that will stand among his proudest on-field moments. All told, he captured 97 first-class wickets and thrilled crowds with his fearless lower-order batting.

Such was the joy he brought to the field that fans created the Louis Delport Celebration Appreciation Society (LDCAS) in his honour.

Reflecting on his time, Delport said:

“As I look back on my time with Auckland Cricket, it’s the people along the way that have had the biggest impact on me. The friendships I’ve made are something I will cherish forever.”

Across seven seasons, Delport became a consistent, dependable performer. His career highlights include four first-class five-wicket hauls and a strong bowling partnership with Danru Ferns and Ben Lister, which played a key role in Auckland’s 2023/24 title triumph.

“Of course the on-field success was awesome — the trophies we won,” Delport added, “but it’s the people I shared them with that made those memories so special. Auckland will always have a special place in my heart. To wear the baggy blue was a privilege and an honour.”

Away from New Zealand, Delport has excelled abroad, with club stints over a decade ago with Pyrford (Surrey) and Barnoldswick (Lancashire), then most recently with Oxford Downs in the Home Counties Premier League, where he dominated with 700 runs at 41.18 (including two centuries) and 44 wickets at 16.48 with three five-wicket hauls. Courtesy of those exploits, he is already confirmed for a return to Downs in 2026.

A crowd favourite, a gifted spinner, and a teammate who made the game more joyful — Louis Delport leaves the professional arena with a career worth celebrating, flips and all.