ROELOF van der Merwe is leaving Somerset ahead of the start of the new season and although his contract was due to expire at the end of the campaign, he is being released by mutual consent with immediate effect.

The all rounder, 40 , first came to Somerset in 2011 when he signed a short-term contract. He returned in 2016 and has gone on to establish himself as an integral member of the First XI squad.

His inspirational performances have seen him awarded with his county cap, and in 2019 he played a key role in Somerset’s Royal London Cup triumph. He also played an important part in the Somerset squad that went on to lift the Vitality Blast in 2023.

During his time with the club he broke 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, explaining his decision to leave, said: “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 while still looking to pursue my international career.

“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, 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.”