Somerset have released spinner Roelof van der Merwe ahead of the 2025 domestic season in the United Kingdom.
Van der Merwe has been capped in international cricket by South Africa and the Netherlands.
He is currently playing for the Titans in South African domestic cricket.
“My family is based in South Africa. With the English white-ball season now running from May until September, that’s a long time to be away from my wife and children. At this stage of my career, I feel that it’s time to put my family first whilst still looking to pursue my international career,” said van der Merwe.
“I spoke with the club, and they agreed to release me one year early and I’m grateful for that. There’s a great group of players here and we had some great success together. Somerset will always have a special place in my heart, and I’ve loved every minute.
“The club, the members and supporters have been phenomenal. Somerset hasn’t just been about cricket for me, it has been a real part of my life for nine years. My family and I were made to feel so welcome from day one. It’s a very special club.”
Meanwhile, Middlesex have signed Proteas seamer Dane Paterson ahead of the 2025 County Championship in the United Kingdom.
Paterson has played seven Tests, four ODIs and eight T20Is. He previously represented Nottinghamshire in the County Championship.
“We are really pleased to get this signing secured as Dane is a player that will bring an enormous amount of quality to our pace attack and is someone that can make a real impact for us in the first half of the season,” said Middlesex director of cricket Alan Coleman.
“He has proven throughout the four years he spent with Nottinghamshire that he has all the attributes needed to succeed in English conditions, and he brings with him a wealth of experience, built up over many years on both the domestic and international stages.
“We can’t wait to welcome him to the club and are really looking forward to seeing him in Championship action in a Middlesex shirt.”
Paterson is currently playing for Western Province in South Africa’s One-Day Cup, division one. He has taken 609 wickets in 167 first-class fixtures.
“It’s an honour to be joining Middlesex. I will do my best to give Middlesex the best chance of getting promoted back to division one again – where the club belongs,” he added.
“I can’t wait to be playing at Lord’s – such a prestigious ground and I’m just really excited about the challenge that lies ahead.”