Wednesday 21 December 2016 11:59, UK
Cricket Ireland has announced that former England batsman Ed Joyce has accepted a central contract.
The 38-year-old, who switched allegiance to represent England between 2006 and 2007, is one of 10 players to be handed a full-time deal as Ireland attempt to secure Test status.
The deal will see Joyce play first-class cricket in Ireland and also allow him to continue as a Sussex player, when required, in the Specsavers County Championship next season.
"I am extremely honoured to accept a full-time international playing contract with Ireland," said Joyce.
"Test cricket is the greatest ambition for any cricketer. Ireland has a huge opportunity to play at the highest level in the coming years and I want to be a part of that journey.
"With this agreement though I am delighted to also maintain my commitment to Sussex who have been my cricketing family for so long.
"Captaining Sussex has been one of my proudest achievements in cricket and I'm really happy to be a part of the squad if called upon in 2017."
