Rudolph pens new Yorks deal

Jacques Rudolph

Yorkshire’s South African-born batsman Jacques Rudolph has signed a new four-year contract which will see him at the county until at least the end of the 2011 season.

Rudolph had two seasons remaining on his initial deal after joining Yorkshire in 2007, a season in which he captured the players’ player of the year award.

He hit a top score of 220 against Warwickshire at Scarborough in August and topped the club's first-class and one-day batting averages with four centuries in the former and two in the latter.

Rudolph said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my first season with Yorkshire, both on and off the pitch. Everything about the club is professional, supportive and focussed on getting results.

“The infrastructure and administration is first-rate and it has allowed me to concentrate all of my efforts on playing and enjoying my cricket, which has been very important to me.

“The quality of coaches, players and facilities is superb and there are exciting times ahead. I’m really pleased to have signed the new contract and look forward to seeing the Yorkshire lads again in March next year for pre-season training.

“We can then concentrate on winning some matches and trophies for Yorkshire. In the meantime I am focused on playing for Eagles in South Africa where we are looking to build on a winning start to the domestic season over here.”

Yorkshire’s chief executive Stewart Regan said: “We’re all delighted that Jacques has confirmed his long-term commitment to Yorkshire.

“He is bringing his wife, Elna, to Yorkshire next spring and is keen to buy a house and put down roots in the county.

“I know he loves the area and the way the Yorkshire people respond to their cricket. The longer deal allows Jacques the potential opportunity to qualify for and go on to represent England in the future.

“This is a significant development in Jacques' career. He is here for the long-term and the club is delighted to have him playing for the White Rose.”