Photo Credit: Sydney Sixers
Less than a year after retiring from the game, one of Australia’s most accomplished players, Rachael Haynes, is returning to cricket.
But it will not be with bat in hand.
Haynes is now set to make an indelible mark off the field, after this week commencing as the full-time Head of Sydney Sixers, managing the club’s internal and external stakeholder relationships, including, recruitment, match day production and community engagement across the KFC BBL and Weber WBBL.
While making her name playing for the NSW Breakers and Australia, as well as the Sixers’ arch enemy, Sydney Thunder, Haynes combined her tertiary studies and industry experience in marketing with a stunning playing career that included, amongst other achievements, seven world cup wins and Commonwealth Games gold.
The 36-year-old mother said she was excited to start the next chapter of her professional life.
Tickets to this summer’s WBBL & BBL go on sale to the general public on August 21.
“Since retiring as a player last November I have had time to reflect on my career, but just as importantly, plan for the future, and when this role with the Sydney Sixers came along, I just felt like it was a great fit,” Haynes said.
“Cricket has obviously been a massive part of my life and I feel like I have learnt a lot along the way, through my studies and as a player, in what drives a successful team and a successful club.
“The Sixers are the most revered club in the League, having played in 11 of the 20 Finals held in BBL and WBBL history. We have some of cricket’s most recognisable faces and play at iconic grounds like North Sydney Oval and the Sydney Cricket Ground.
“I am looking forward to sinking my teeth into the role and driving the club forward to provide our members and fans with the best experience possible.”
Sydney Sixers 2023/24 memberships on sale now!
Cricket NSW General Manager, Big Bash Leagues, Chris Botherway, said Haynes’ appointment was a huge coup for the Sixers.
“There was a lot of interest in this role and we are delighted to have appointed Rachael following a very competitive international recruitment process,” Botherway said.
“Rach is no stranger to Cricket NSW, having played for and captained the NSW Breakers, Sydney Thunder and Australia.
“In addition to a stellar playing career, Rach is an experienced sports and marketing professional with a real passion for connecting the next generation to our sport.”
Haynes will hit the ground running at the Sixers, with WBBL and BBL tickets on sale to the general public on August 21. This will be followed by the WBBL and BBL Overseas Player Drafts on September 3.
The WBBL will kick off at North Sydney Oval on October 19 when the Sixers take on the Melbourne Stars, while the Sixers’ BBL team open their season at the SCG on December 8 against the Melbourne Renegades.
