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 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. In his time with the club, 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 which went on to lift the Vitality Blast in 2023. During his time with Somerset he has become a firm favourite with members and supporters and 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 explained: “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. It’s a very special Club.”

Andy Hurry. the Director of Cricket, said: “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.

Meanwhile, Somerset will start their sesquicentennial by hosting a 15th Anniversary Opening Dinner on Friday, March 28, in the County Room at the Cooper Associates County Ground.

This follows the close of play on the first day of Somerset’s three day pre-season match against Gloucestershire.A number of Somerset’s trophy-winning captains will be in attendance including Brian Rose, Jamie Cox, Tom Abell and Lewis Gregory in addition to which many former players from down the ages will also be in attendance.

Among those who have already confirmed their attendance are Peter Robinson and Terry Barwell who both appeared in Somerset’s first ever one-day final appearance at Lord’s against Kent in 1967. Derek Taylor is travelling back from Australia especially to attend and he will be joined by Colin Dredge, Dennis Breakwell and Vic Marks among others from the Glory Years.

From the 2001 Cheltenham and Gloucester team, Rob Turner, Ian Blackwell, Andy Caddick and Keith Parsons are all going to be attending.