Roelof van der Merwe leaves Somerset ahead of new season
Roelof van der Merwe has left Somerset CCC ahead of the start of the new season. Roelof, whose contract was due to expire at the end of the campaign, will be released by mutual consent with immediate effect.
During his time with the Club his whole-hearted approach to the game saw him become a firm favourite with the Club’s Members and supporters and he will always be remembered for his passionate celebrations and for breaking the record for the highest score by a Somerset player in a 50-over match when he made 165 not out against Surrey at the Cooper Associates County Ground in 2017.
The Netherlands international explains the decision. “My family is based in South Africa,” he said. “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.
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“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’s 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.”
Somerset CCC Director of Cricket, Andy Hurry has praised Roelof’s contribution to the Club.
“Given everything that Roelof has contributed to the Club over the years, we totally respect and understand him wanting to spend time with his family and further his opportunities to play international cricket.”
“To say that he has been a tremendous servant to the Club would be something of an understatement. To put it simply, he is the absolute personification of the model professional. During his time with Somerset, he has put in countless match-winning contributions with the bat, the ball and in the field.
“His work ethic has been exemplary from day one and he is a genuine role model as well as being an incredibly popular member of the dressing room.
“He has a real passion for the game, which is epitomised by his trademark celebrations, and the manner in which he conducts himself on and off the field has been an inspiration to many of his teammates.
“Roelof will rightly be remembered as one of our most important players of recent years and everyone associated with the Club wishes him all the very best as he seeks to end his career positively with the Netherlands. He will forever receive a warm welcome at the Cooper Associates County Ground.”
It comes as Somerset all-rounder Ben Green has rejoined Leicestershire on loan. Green, 27, enjoyed a short-term deal with the Foxes last year and will return to Grace Road for seven rounds of the Rothesay County Championship this summer. He will be available from the start of the season and remain at the club until the Vitality Blast campaign begins at the end of May.
Leicestershire director of cricket Claude Henderson said: "Ben brings great experience and further quality to our changing room. He fitted in seamlessly with the squad last year and became a popular member of the group instantly. We're excited to have him back with us for the start of the summer."
