Thursday 5 January 2017 16:31, UK
Hampshire have signed South Africa internationals Kyle Abbott and Rilee Rossouw on long-term Kolpak contracts.
Fast bowler Abbott quit international cricket on Thursday as South Africa sent Sri Lanka crashing to a 282-run defeat at Newlands, giving the hosts a winning 2-0 lead in the three-Test series.
Abbott confirmed he has signed a four-year contract with Hampshire, who have also signed his South Africa team-mate Rossouw on a three-year Kolpak deal.
"It is one of hardest decisions I have had to make in my life," 29-year-old Abbott said. "I leave with more than a little sadness knowing that I won't represent the Proteas again.
"Representing my country was undoubtedly the biggest honour in my career and I am very thankful for the opportunity to have represented South Africa and the Proteas."
Abbott played for Hampshire as their overseas player in 2015, claiming 36 wickets at 20.33.
He took 99 wickets for his country across all formats in 59 matches.
Left-hander Rossouw has played 51 limited-overs matches for the Proteas, scoring over 1,500 runs, including a brilliant 122 in his last appearance against Australia in October.
