Sam Northeast returns to Kent on two-year contract

Glamorgan captain Sam Northeast is heading back to his native Kent - the club where he spent the first 11 seasons of his career - after agreeing a new two-year deal.

Northeast, 35, was out of contract having spent four prolific years at Glamorgan, during which time he posted a club-record 410 not out against Leicestershire in 2022, then followed up with a further 335 not out against Middlesex in 2024, the highest first-class score ever made at Lord's.

Last season, he also played the crucial innings at Trent Bridge as Glamorgan won the Metro Bank One-Day Cup for the second time in four seasons, and with 780 runs at 48.75 in the County Championship, he has guided the club to the brink of promotion from the second division.

Though he is understood to have held talks with Glamorgan about an extension to his contract, a desire to be near his young family - who have remained in Kent throughout his stint - is believed to have been the clincher in his new deal.

Northeast made his debut for Kent in 2007 after graduating from the club's Academy, and went on to make over 300 appearances for the county over ten seasons, scoring over 13,500 runs in all-formats including 24 centuries.

He was appointed Club Captain in 2015 and led the team on 134 occasions across formats, averaging 44.79 with the bat in that period. He left for Hampshire in somewhat acrimonious circumstances in February 2018, but is now heading home after an eight-year hiatus.

"I'm delighted to be returning home to Kent next season," Northeast said. "I believe I still have a great deal to contribute across all formats, and while I've enjoyed my time away, I know that coming back to Canterbury is the right decision at this stage of my career.

"As someone who grew up in the county, Kent has always been close to my heart. I always knew I would return to my boyhood Club, and I'm proud to once again wear the White Horse.

"The Club is in an exciting place, with a clear focus on the future, and I hope that my experience can help support and develop the next generation of Kent-produced talent."

Kent's Director of Cricket, Simon Cook, said: "Sam was our top target when it became apparent that he was available and he will add top-order talent and experience.

"We're delighted that he has chosen to return to Kent next season, and our young batters in both the first-team and Talent Pathway will draw from his vast experience.

"I'm sure his return home will be greatly received by our Members and supporters."