Boyd Rankin, born on July 5 1984 in County Londonerry, hails from a farming family that clearly loves its cricket. His two brothers, Robert and David have represented Ireland in Under-19 cricket, while, his sister too played representative cricket. Interestingly, Rankin started out as a rugby player, occupying the all important Number 8 position for Strabane Grammar School team. Rankin's brute strength and steepling height saw him make waves in the rugby world.