Melbourne Renegades sign Rhiann O'Donnell, Poppy Gardner

“I’m pumped to be back with the Renegades. I’ve got some really good mates here and I’m excited to be part of this group,” O’Donnell said. She had represented the Renegades in the third season before moving over to Hobart Hurricanes in WBBL04.

“I fell back in love with the game last year, have enjoyed being part of a professional environment again this year and am looking forward to testing myself in an elite competition.”

It will be the first professional contract for Gardner, 16, the left-arm seamer. She plays for Dandenong CC alongside Renegades captain Sophie Molineux and has risen through the ranks rapidly.

“I’m super stoked – I can’t wait to get around the girls, it’s going to be such a good experience for me,” Gardner said.

“I’ve already played some games with Sophie and I was over the moon when I found out that I was joining the Renegades. Hopefully I can get some game-time, take some wickets and be part of a winning team.”

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The signing of the pair completed the local players’ quota for the competition. Head coach Simon Helmot was pleased with the latest acquisitions.

“Rhiann returns to the Renegades on the back of a fantastic Premier cricket season last year,” he said.

“With her all-round abilities and previous WBBL experience, we believe she can add to our group in a variety of roles this season.”

“Poppy is an exciting, young cricketer and this is a great opportunity for her.

“She is just 16 years old but has shown plenty of promise in Premier cricket and will only continue to grow and develop her game as part of this squad,” Helmot concluded.