Former Australia vice-captain Rachael Haynes will step down as Sydney Sixers general manager at the end of October. She and her family are preparing to move to the United Kingdom, bringing her time with the club to a close. Haynes has held the position since early 2024 and will leave before the next Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) and BBL seasons. Hayden McIntosh has been appointed interim general manager, while the club plans to begin its search for a permanent replacement in early 2027.
During Haynes’ tenure, the women returned to the WBBL finals last season. The men pursued a fourth title, finishing third in 2024-25 and runners-up last summer. Haynes said leaving was difficult, but her family’s move made it the right decision. She thanked the players, coaches, staff and supporters who had been part of her time at the club.
“Leading the Sydney Sixers has been one of the great privileges of my career,” Haynes said. “This club means so much to me, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together, on and off the field. Stepping away wasn’t an easy decision, but it’s the right one for my family as we head into an exciting new chapter overseas.
“I want to thank every player, coach, staff member, and fan who has been part of this journey with me. The Sixers will always hold a special place, and I wish the club and our teams every success for the season ahead.”
Haynes’ partner, former Australia batter Leah Poulton, left her role as Cricket NSW’s head of elite female cricket last month to join the England and Wales Cricket Board. Poulton has become England’s managing director of women’s cricket, replacing Clare Connor. Connor, a former England captain, spent 18 years with the organisation. During that time, she oversaw the introduction of England women’s first central contracts and professional contracts for domestic women’s players.
Cricket NSW CEO Lee Germon thanked Haynes for her contribution and said her leadership helped the Sixers grow. He welcomed McIntosh, who had worked with the club for many years.
“On behalf of Cricket NSW, I want to sincerely thank Rachael for her outstanding contribution to the Sydney Sixers and to our organisation as a whole,” Germon said. “Her leadership has helped shape the club into one of the most successful and respected in the competition, and her impact will be felt for years to come.”
McIntosh will lead the Sixers’ commercial, events and consumer-facing work during WBBL 12 and BBL 16. He previously served as Cricket NSW’s Head of Consumer and Venue Business and has worked closely with the club for many years. Cricket NSW chief cricket performance officer Greg Mail will support him on cricket operations and high-performance matters.
“Hayden has worked closely with the Sixers for many years in his role as CNSW’s Head of Consumer and Venue Business and is well positioned to lead the club into WBBL 12 and BBL 16,” Germon said. “He will be well supported by Greg Mail on cricket matters, ensuring continuity and stability across all areas of the club.”
The interim arrangement covers commercial and cricket responsibilities. McIntosh will lead the business side, while Mail supports cricket matters. Recruitment will begin in early 2027.
Haynes will finish this month before moving overseas with her family. She leaves after the women returned to finals and the men finished third and runners-up. The Sixers prepare for WBBL 12 and BBL 16 under McIntosh, supported by Mail, until a permanent general manager is appointed. The announcement was reported by Laura Jolly in Sydney on 21 October 2026, with Haynes’ departure set for the end of that month.
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