Louw rejoins Northamptonshire

Johann Louw, the South African-born allrounder, has rejoined Northamptonshire for the 2008 season. Louw last played for the club in 2004, after which he signed for Middlesex.

"We are fortunate that we have been able to attract a player of Johann's quality back to the club at this late stage of preparation," David Capel, the Northamptonshire coach, said. "We needed to reinforce our seam bowling department due to the ECB blocking Johann van der Wath and Andrew Hall's registrations for 2008, and although we will not have Johann available for the opening two Championship and Friends Provident Trophy matches he will be a welcome addition to our squad.

"He has expressed to me how excited he is about returning to us and I feel that he is capable of matching his best season for us when he took in excess of 60 first-class wickets. He has obviously been in good form during the South African domestic season, which he will be looking forward to continuing when he joins us at the end of April."

Louw said he was looking forward to returning to the club, adding: "Hopefully we can achieve what the club has being working towards and personally it will be great to be under the watchful eye of David Capel. I am very excited about the season and can't wait to join the squad at the end of April."