Retiring quick Sam Rainbird on decision to end 12-year career as Tasmanian Tigers player

A much loved stalwart of the Tasmanian Tigers has opened up on his decision to retire and praised his family for their ongoing support.

Look far and wide inside the four walls of Cricket Tasmania and you’d be hard pressed to find a player as universally liked and respected as the retiring Sam Rainbird.

But with the attitude of a “proud” veteran watching on – often as 12th man – as his teammates have dominated the Sheffield Shield competition this season, it’s easy to see why.

The veteran bowler announced his retirement from professional cricket last Thursday with the 31 year-old set to call time at the conclusion of this season.

Tasmanian Tigers bowler Sam Rainbird has announced his retirement from professional cricket. Picture: Chris Kidd

It’s been a hell of a 12 year journey for Rainbird who made his debut back in 2012 and has gone onto take 170 first class wickets to sit at seventh all-time for Tasmania.

That includes the best ever spell by a Tasmanian with 13/42 match figures against Queensland back in 2022.

A paceman with the ability to change the game inside the space of an over, Rainbird says that while he will miss the feeling of celebrating a win with teammates inside the change rooms he is excited for the next chapter of his life.

“I think the hardest thing was having to tell the players,” Rainbird said.

“Obviously you go through so much in the change rooms over a long period of time but I’m really looking forward to the next chapter of my life.

“It’s a decision I’ve toyed with over the last couple of months. I’ve been struggling to crack into the team and at my age you probably have to think about your options and what’s going on.

“I sat down with (Tigers coach) Jeff (Vaughan) a couple of weeks ago and we figured out it was probably best for me to retire and hopefully move on and do something different.”

Rainbird is excited to spend more time with his young daughter Blake and wife Belinda. Picture: Chris Kidd

While that something different may include a career in coaching, the loving father and husband is also looking forward to spending more time with his young family that includes wife Belinda and daughter Blake.

“It’s always underestimated how much families sacrifice for us,” he said.

“Belinda has been stuck at home with Blake doing parenting by herself so it doesn’t go undervalued for me and I’m really appreciative of her support over the last 12 years, along with Mum and Dad as well.”

A regular member of the Tigers starting XI across the journey, the emergence of fellow quicks Gabe Bell, Lawrence Neil-Smith and Iain Carlisle this summer has seen Rainbird take a step back this season but it’s a selfless one he’s been happy to make.

“As an athlete it can always be frustrating when you are not playing but it’s not about me,” Rainbird said.

Rainbird and good friend Jordan Silk celebrate a wicket back in 2020. (AAP Image/Michael Dodge)

“It’s about where this group is as a whole and where Cricket Tasmania is. The girls have won three flags in a row and hopefully the guys are hosting a Shield final. I’ve just been really proud of the group and I think we’ve had some young bowlers step up incredibly well.

“I’m so excited to see what happens the next couple of years because I think we have the list now that can keep playing like this for a few seasons.”

RAINBIRD BY THE NUMBERS

– Tiger #173

– Debuted in 2012

– 170 first class wickets

– Tasmanian Sheffield Shield player of the season 2013/14

– High score of 59

– 7th all-time Shield wickets for Tasmania

– Best match figures ever by a Tasmanian – 13/42