South Africa batsman Colin Ingram joins Glamorgan

Glamorgan have signed South Africa batsman Colin Ingram on a three-year deal under the Kolpak ruling.

Ingram, whose deal is subject to clearance from Cricket South Africa, has played 31 one-day internationals for his country, although the last of those was more than a year ago against Pakistan in Dubai.

The left-hander spent a spell with Somerset last season and links up with compatriot Jacques Rudolph in Cardiff.

I had my first taste of playing county cricket with Somerset last July and I enjoyed it. I've spoken to Jacques Rudolph about the club and I'm looking forward to the challenge.

Ingram said, "I'm delighted to be joining Glamorgan. I had my first taste of playing county cricket with Somerset last July and I enjoyed it. I've spoken to Jacques Rudolph about the club and I'm looking forward to the challenge and to playing with my new team mates."

Glamorgan lost all-rounder Jim Allenby to Somerset earlier this week and director of cricket Hugh Morris is happy to have been able to sign Ingram even if he is not a direct replacement for the talented all-rounder.

Morris said: "Signing a player of Colin Ingram's undoubted calibre and experience is a great boost as we continue our preparations ahead of the new season.

Outstanding

"Our strategy is to develop a team with a strong Welsh identity, but we have always said that we need pillars of experienced players in key positions to supplement our home grown talent by recruiting from outside our borders.

"Colin is an outstanding talent and aged 29 is in the prime of his career. Anyone in Cardiff, who saw his innings against the West Indies last year in the Champions Trophy couldn't help be impressed. I look forward to welcoming Colin to Glamorgan."

Rudolph extended his deal with the county earlier this week until the end of 2017, and Glamorgan have also signed all-rounder Craig Meschede on a season-long loan from Somerset and former Northants opener James Kettleborough ahead of the 2015 season.