The Hobart Hurricanes have signed allrounder Ella Hayward on a two-year deal ahead of WBBL 12, bolstering their title defence with one of the most in-form young players in domestic cricket.
Hayward, 23, joins the Hurricanes after a season with the Melbourne Stars and five prior years with the Melbourne Renegades.
The right-handed batter and off-spinner has already moved to Tasmania ahead of the 2026-27 domestic season and is part of the Tasmanian Tigers squad.
Hayward made her WBBL debut as a 17-year-old in 2020 and has since represented Australia at the inaugural ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup before earning Australia A selection.
“I was definitely looking at all different teams and just looking for the best fit for me,” Hayward said.
“Obviously [they’re] fresh off their WBBL title, which is really exciting and I’m just hoping I can contribute as much as I can.”
“I want to take my game to the next level.”
Her breakout 2024-25 season with Victoria saw her lead the state in both runs and wickets, with 446 runs and claiming 21 wickets from the number three position.
That campaign included a maiden century and career-best bowling figures of 6-31, earning her Victoria’s Player of the Season.
Hurricanes head coach Jude Coleman said Hayward’s versatility would be a valuable asset.
“Ella gives us flexibility because she is someone who can genuinely influence a game with both bat and ball,” Coleman said.
“She is still only 23, so there is plenty of upside in her game.”
