Gloucestershire County Cricket Club are delighted to announce the signing of the best fielder in the World, Jonty Rhodes as one of their two overseas players for 2003.

Jonty Rhodes, 32, has played 52 test matches for South Africa scoring 2532 runs including three hundreds and 17 fifties. He retired from test cricket in 2001 in order to extend his career to the 2003 World Cup. His one day record is outstanding - 100 catches and 5550 runs in 227 one day internationals.

Speaking today, Gloucestershire Chief Executive Tom Richardson said "Jonty has the potential to be a fantastic addition to the Club in all areas. Not only has he been the catalyst behind a very successful South African side but also he is a tremendously exciting world class batsman and fielder. One of the many things Jonty will be able to provide will be fielding exhibitions, the like of which have not been seen since the era of Colin Bland in the 60's. All in all Jonty Rhodes has got to be a hugely exciting signing".

Director of Cricket, John Bracewell adds "In keeping with the development of cricket throughout the County and its surrounding minor Counties, Jonty is one of very few cricketers in world cricket who has the total pulling power of all age groups. His desire to play for Gloucestershire is something that excites and I look forward to working with him to develop Gloucestershire cricket".

From South Africa, Jonty adds: "It is an honour to be invited to play County Cricket for Gloucestershire and I am very grateful for the opportunity. When I embarked on my test career for South Africa I never thought that I would end up going down this route and I very much look forward to playing with, and passing on some of what I have learnt to, fresh faces".

© Gloucestershire CCC