SOUTH African all-rounder Wayne Parnell has signed a three-year deal with Worcestershire to become a rare Kolpak addition.

The 29-year-old helped the club win the Vitality Blast on Saturday as an overseas signing and he has also been part of their efforts to stay up in County Championship Division One.

Fast bowler Parnell last played for South Africa in October 2017 and lost his national contract earlier this year after a serious shoulder injury in January.

The Kolpak deal means the left-hander cannot play for his country, following in the footsteps of the likes of Morne Morkel and ex-County player Kyle Abbott.

It also frees up an overseas slot for Worcestershire.

Parnell, who is set to play in the Championship crunch clash at Essex from Tuesday (10.30am), said: “This is probably the toughest decision I’ve had to make in my career.

"I have always enjoyed playing for my country since making my debut.

“After my serious injury in January I had three to four months out and really had time to reflect and think about what I want for the rest of my career going forward.

"It was a very tough period in my life emotionally and mentally as it could potentially have been a career-ending injury and my wife was heavily pregnant with our first-born son so I had a lot going on.

"You can’t really predict the future so you try to formulate and plot a plan and see how it unfolds.”

Parnell played six Tests over seven years, 65 one-day internationals and 40 T20Is during his South Africa career.

He continued: “I am still young and have plenty to offer to any environment that I’m in.

"I have played more than 100 games for my country in all formats and I’ve loved every time I’ve put on the South African jersey and I’m almost certain that nothing can replace that feeling, certainly on the cricket field.

“The reality of life is that goals and aspirations change all the time and it seems the Proteas have moved past me since I’ve not really had any communications since I had my injury and then not going to India for the A tours was also another indication.

“But I’m happy with that and I am comfortable with where I’m at and what I’m doing. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Worcestershire since joining up with them and I’m excited about my future with them.”

Parnell is also keen to explore opportunities in T20 leagues around the world.

He was part of the Global T20 in Canada earlier this year and already has a deal to play in the upcoming Afghanistan Cricket League in Sharjah.