Roelof van der Merwe has mutually agreed to an early departure from his Somerset contract, concluding his long-standing relationship with the county.
Van der Merwe initially joined Somerset in 2011 as an overseas player. He returned in 2016 as a local player after switching his national allegiance from South Africa to the Netherlands. He has represented the county 185 times across all formats and was scheduled to return for white-ball cricket in 2025. However, he has chosen to terminate his contract before the upcoming season.
In a club statement, he explained that at the age of 40, he felt unable to commit to spending the summer in the UK, away from his family based in South Africa. Van der Merwe still intends to continue playing international cricket for the Netherlands.
“With the English white-ball season now extending from May to September, it means a considerable period away from my wife and children,” van der Merwe stated. “At this point in my career, I believe it’s time to prioritize my family while still pursuing my international ambitions. I discussed this with the club, and they kindly agreed to release me a year early, for which I am thankful.”
“There is a fantastic group of players here, and we have enjoyed some great successes together. Somerset will always hold a special place in my heart, and I have cherished every moment. The club, its members, and supporters have been incredible. Somerset has been more than just cricket for me; it has been a significant part of my life for nine years.”
Van der Merwe contributed to two trophy wins for Somerset, including their victory over Hampshire in the 2019 Royal London Cup final and 10 appearances in their 2023 T20 Blast triumph. Last year, he participated in 12 Blast matches, including all three knockout games, where Somerset unfortunately lost to Gloucestershire in the final.
A memorable moment for Somerset occurred in 2017 during a televised 50-over match against Surrey. He came in when the score was 22 for 5 in pursuit of 291 and delivered a remarkable unbeaten innings of 165 runs off 152 balls. Another highlight was his explosive 48 not out from 15 balls, which secured a three-wicket victory in a rain-affected T20 match at Bristol in 2022.
Andy Hurry, Somerset’s Director of Cricket, expressed that the club “fully respects and understands” Van der Merwe’s decision. “To say he has been an exceptional servant to the club would be an understatement,” Hurry commented. “Simply put, he embodies the ideal professional.”
“Throughout his time with Somerset, he has made numerous match-winning contributions with his batting, bowling, and fielding. His dedication has been exemplary from the start, and he is a true role model and a highly valued member of the team.”
“Roelof will be fondly remembered as one of our most influential players in recent years, and everyone associated with the club wishes him the very best as he aims to conclude his career positively with the Netherlands. He will always be warmly welcomed at the Cooper Associates County Ground.”
