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Hampshire sign McLaren as overseas player for 2016

Hampshire have signed South African allrounder Ryan McLaren as their overseas player for the 2016 season.

George Dobell
George Dobell
12-Nov-2015
Ryan McLaren helped Hampshire escape relegation last year  •  AFP

Ryan McLaren helped Hampshire escape relegation last year  •  AFP

Hampshire have signed South African allrounder Ryan McLaren as their overseas player for the 2016 season.
McLaren, 32, who will be available all season and in all formats, played an integral role during his four-match spell at the Ageas Bowl last season as he helped Hampshire complete the 'great escape' to avoid relegation from Division One of the County Championship. He has also had spells with Middlesex (2011), Kent (2007, 2008 and 2009) and Warwickshire 2nd XI (2005).
"Ryan came into the team at the back end of last season, impressed everyone and proved to be a great fit for us," Giles White, Hampshire's director of cricket, said. "He gives the team balance, is an excellent professional and performs in both red and white ball cricket.
"Having an overseas player around for the whole season is a big bonus and we look forward to meeting up with him in pre-season."
The signing of McLaren is not a surprise. Hampshire confirmed to ESPNcricinfo they were talking to him about a return last September though there was a possibility he could have joined as a Kolpak registration.
His status as an overseas player should render his registration and work permit application a more straightforward process and leaves him free to continue his international career, though he has not been selected by South Africa in any format for a year. It is possible he could be re-registered as a Kolpak at a latter date.
"I am delighted to have agreed to return to Hampshire for 2016," McLaren said. "My first experience with the county at the end of the 2015 season was hugely enjoyable and I was delighted to play a part in helping the county retain First Division status. I look forward to returning in April and helping the county challenge across the board for silverware."

George Dobell is a senior correspondent at ESPNcricinfo