LOWERHOUSE have signed one of the most promising young cricketers in South Africa as their new professional.

The Transco Lancashire League club are eagerly anticipating the arrival of 20-year-old prospect Jaques Rudolph, who has recently broken into the full South Africa squad.

The 20-year-old left-handed bat, leg break bowler replaces Jon Kent, who returned home early last season leaving the Liverpool Road club without a pro for the majority of the year. Rudolph, who averages 53 runs in limited overs cricket with a high score of 134 not out, forced his way into the national side for the 'unofficial' Test against India in November and was selected for the current tour of Australia.

He averages 39 with the bat in first class cricket with a highest score of 164. He has also claimed 32 wickets at 26.7 with a personal best of five for 87.

David Wren, the Lowerhouse chairman, said: "Jaques was our first choice back in October when we had initial talks with him.

"At that stage he was focused on getting into the South African team and did not know his plans for the summer.

"We were delighted when he contacted us to announce his availabilty a few weeks ago since when we have been negotiating to bring him to Lowerhouse.

"We are always keen to bring high qualitty young talent to the club and Jaques certainly comes into that category."

Rudolph will have to return to South Africa two weeks early on September 2, as will all South African first class cricketers, because the South African domestic season starts earlier than usual this year to accomodate the World Cup in 2003.

But Wren said: "After having to find 23 sub pros last season, finding two this season will be easy."

Rudolph, who plays for Northern Transvaal, will share a house in Lancashire with the new Burnley pro Pierre Joubert, a Northern Transvaal teammate.

COLNE have signed South African Charles Langeveldt as their new professional.