Glamorgan Cricket can announce that Marchant de Lange has been released from his contract and will join Somerset as an overseas player.
de Lange joined Glamorgan in 2017 as a local player, thanks to a spousal visa, but after recent changes to ECB regulations regarding ‘Kolpak’ and similarly registered players, de Lange’s status has been altered and his contract was cancelled by mutual consent with a year remaining.
The 30-year-old South African fast bowler took 85 first-class wickets in 25 matches for the Club, with his best figures of 5/62 coming against Gloucestershire in 2018.
de Lange also struck two half-centuries and scored Glamorgan’s quickest ever first-class century as he smashed a 62-ball ton against Northamptonshire in August.
He also took 36 T20 wickets in 33 games, with a further 39 dismissals in 19 List A games, including a career-best 5/49 at the Ageas Bowl in 2017.
Director of Cricket, Mark Wallace, said: “We are disappointed that Marchant’s time at Glamorgan has come to a premature end. The change in regulations has altered the category that he is able to play under, and it is unfortunate that Marchant is a victim of these changes.
“He has always given the club 100% of his efforts and he’s been an incredibly popular member of the side, and a favourite of the staff around Sophia Gardens.
“We wish him all the best for the future, and look forward to seeing him back at Sophia Gardens next season.”
The departing de Lange, added: “I’m incredibly sad to be leaving Glamorgan and Sophia Gardens.
“I have such fond memories of my time here, and I have thoroughly enjoyed representing the people of Glamorgan and Wales.
“I have loved living in Cardiff, and I hope to be able to come back and enjoy a game from the stands in future.”