Roelof van der Merwe joins Somerset on two-year deal
Wednesday 15 July 2015 15:34, UK
Somerset have signed all-rounder Roelof van der Merwe on a two-year contract which will start next summer.
The former South Africa player now represents the Netherlands on the international scene and is currently playing with the Dutch in the World Twenty20 qualifying tournament.
Van Der Merwe first played for Somerset in the 2011 season, when he helped the county qualify for T20 Finals Day and was also a part of their squad at the Champions League.
Somerset director of cricket Matthew Maynard is delighted with the county's latest recruit, as he said: "During his career Roelof has proven himself to be a player of high quality and in recent years he has developed his batting to make himself a very good top-order batsman.
"He is a world-class fielder, a leader on the pitch and will bring a great energy to the squad. I have worked with him in the past and I can assure the members and supporters that this is a great signing for us.”
Van Der Merwe added: “It will be good being back in Taunton. Making it through to the Champions League semi-final was great and for me to be coming back to Somerset to contribute in all forms of the game is awesome.
"I enjoyed my time in Taunton and I am really looking forward to working with Matt Maynard again. I really enjoyed working with him at St Lucia Zouks and this is an exciting time for me.
"Whenever you sign for a team you want to help them win trophies and I hope that I can contribute to that in Taunton. The crowd is always really good and very supportive and I can’t wait to play in front of them again.”
