Cricket Wellington has confirmed 20-year-old seamer Ryan Tsourgas will join the Firebirds on a full-time contract for the 2026/27 season.

The Onslow Cricket Club player has been part of the wider Firebirds environment for the past couple of seasons, training regularly with the squad and representing Wellington Provincial A.

Tsourgas enjoyed a strong season for Onslow Cricket Club’s Premier Men’s side last summer, taking 30 wickets in 17 matches, including best figures of 5/54.

The right-arm seamer has progressed through the Wellington pathway, representing Wellington Under-19s and Wellington Provincial A, as well as New Zealand Under-19s at the 2024 ICC Under-19 Men’s World Cup in South Africa.

His elevation to a full-time Firebirds contract comes as Tim Robinson moves off a full-time contract to take up an opportunity with the Brisbane Heat in the KFC Big Bash League (read more here).

Firebirds Head Coach Shane Jurgensen said Tsourgas had been close to making his debut last season and had earned his opportunity.

“Ryan was close to debuting for the Firebirds last year during our Ford Trophy campaign.

“He thoroughly deserves his contract to be a Firebird and has been committed to developing himself and putting himself in a position to grab this opportunity.”

Cricket Wellington General Manager High Performance Dave Wildash said:

“We’re really pleased to see Ryan earn a full-time contract. He’s been around the Firebirds environment for a while now and has continued to develop into a quality seam bowler.

“Ryan’s journey is a great reflection of the Wellington pathway. He has progressed through our age-group programmes, club cricket and Provincial A side before earning this opportunity with the Firebirds.”

The Firebirds are now into their third week of pre-season training, with their season set to begin on 28 October when they host the Otago Volts in Round One of the Ford Trophy at the Cello Basin Reserve.

Article added: Tuesday 15 September 2026