Louw joins the Eagles

Northamptonshire's Kolpak player, Johann Louw, has been given permission to play for the Eagles franchise this season.

Gerald Majola, the chief executive of Cricket South Africa, said that permission was granted in terms of the regulations that govern overseas players competing in South African domestic professional cricket.

"This means that Johann will not seek to qualify to play for England," explained Majola. "He must also declare his intention to fully comply with contractual obligations to the Eagles ahead of any obligations to any county in England. The SA Cricketers' Association has endorsed the CSA decision on Johann."

The chief executive of the Eagles, Seppie Lusardi, added that Louw intended to settle in Bloemfontein where his wife-to-be is studying. "Johann intends returning to South Africa permanently," said Lusardi, "and he will bolster the pool of quality fast bowlers eligible for national duty going forward to the World Cup in 2007."

Louw played for Griqualand West and Eastern Province before joining Northants two seasons ago.