The Irish Cricket Union have announced the signing of 21-year-old Vernon Philander, as one of their two permitted overseas players for this year's Friends Provident Trophy.
The South African all-rounder is highly regarded in his native country, having just missed out on selection for the World Cup - he had been named in the preliminary squad of 30.
He has played 26 First Class games, scoring 1046 runs at an average of 26.15, with a highest score of 168. He has also taken 71 wickets at an impressive average of 24.19.
He played international cricket at under-19 level for South Africa, and his domestic clubs include Cape Cobras and Western Province.
Ireland Coach Adrian Birrell believes Philander will prove to be a valuable acquisition: 'He's a very talented player, and I heard nothing but good reports about him during our recent training camp in Eastern Province. He can be very explosive with both bat and ball, and I'm sure Irish supporters will enjoy watching him in action.'
Ireland's fixtures in this season's Friends Provident Trophy:
22 April: Ireland v Gloucestershire, Dublin
29 April: Ireland v Kent, Belfast
6 May: Somerset v Ireland, Taunton
7 May: Hampshire v Ireland, Rose Bowl
13 May: Ireland v Essex, Dublin
27 May: Surrey v Ireland, Brit Oval
28 May: Sussex v Ireland, Hove
10 June: Ireland v Middlesex, Dublin
13 June: Ireland v Glamorgan, Belfast
