SOMERSET County Cricket Club have announced that Matt Henry will join the club as an overseas player for 2023.

Subject to obtaining the necessary NOC and visa, the New Zealand International seamer will join up with his new teammates following the Black Caps’ ODI series against Pakistan.

He will be available to be considered for selection for Somerset’s LV= Insurance County Championship match against Lancashire at Emirates Old Trafford which begins on May 11th and will remain with Somerset until July 31.

In total, Matt will be eligible to play up to seven County Championship matches and will also be available for the whole of the Vitality Blast.

The 31-year-old has represented his country on 89 occasions across the three formats, taking in excess of 170 wickets.

After signing for the Club, Matt, who has also represented Worcestershire, Derbyshire and Kent in English domestic cricket said: “I enjoy playing in English conditions and I’m looking forward to joining up with Somerset. They are a Club that are held in high regard, and I’ve heard only good things about the setup there.

“I’m excited by the challenge, and I hope that I can make big contributions for Somerset both on and off the field.”

Somerset head coach, Jason Kerr said: “To have someone of Matt’s calibre to compliment the attack that we have is beyond exciting,” he said. “We’ve got a nucleus of bowlers who are capable of ensuring that we take 20 wickets in red-ball cricket alongside a group of talented young bowlers who are incredibly aspirational and have already shown what they are cable of. Matt’s arrival will bring us even more potency.

“He is a world class performer who has demonstrated what he can do across all formats already within the English domestic game. He’s got good pace and can swing the ball. What he will provide off the field will be equally as important. He has experienced playing all over the world and will be able to share a vast amount of knowledge."