Haynes steps down as Sixers general manager

Rachael Haynes will step down as Sydney Sixers general manager, with the former Australia vice-captain set to relocate to the United Kingdom with her family.

Haynes, who has been in the role since early 2024, will hand over the reins at the end of this month, with Hayden McIntosh appointed as interim GM for the coming Weber WBBL and KFC BBL seasons.

During her tenure, Haynes oversaw a period that saw the Sixers' women return to the WBBL finals last season, while the men's team continued pushing for a fourth title, finishing third in 2024-25 and runners-up last summer. 

"Leading the Sydney Sixers has been one of the great privileges of my career," Haynes said in a statement. "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, departed her role as Cricket NSW's head of elite female cricket last month to join the England and Wales Cricket Board.

There, Poulton has taken over as England's new managing director of women's cricket, replacing Clare Connor, the former England captain who oversaw the introduction of the first central contracts for England women and professional contracts for domestic women's players during her 18-year tenure with the organisation.

"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," Cricket NSW CEO Lee 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 operations in the forthcoming Big Bash seasons, supported by Cricket NSW chief cricket performance officer Greg Mail on cricket operations and high-performance matters.

Recruitment for a permanent replacement will begin in early 2027.

"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."