JJ, who hails from Grahamstown in the Cape Province, plays his domestic cricket for the Warriors organisation in South Africa, where he has previously captained the side in both the four day First Class and one day competitions. He has been in fine form in the white ball format of the game in recent weeks.

JJ first came to prominence as an important member of the South African squad who reached the final of the 2008 U19 World Cup, where his side narrowly lost out to India. After that JJ enjoyed a number of successful seasons in domestic cricket, where he put in a number of eye-catching performances in all three formats of the game. His hard hitting batting style (he often opens the innings in all formats of the game) and slow left arm bowling caught the eye of the South African selectors in early 2017 when he was selected for the South African T20 squad to face Sri Lanka. Three years later JJ made his ODI debut, against England in Cape Town. In total he has made 13 T20 and 6 ODI appearances for his country as well as playing more than 400 First Class, List A and Domestic T20 matches. JJ will clearly bring a huge level of talent and experience to RM14 this summer, and 1st XI Captain Alan Ison can't wait to link up with the South African.

"It's brilliant we are bringing a player of this calibre to Upminster Cricket Club. We have a lot of youngsters coming into the 1st XI so it will be good for them to learn from JJ and from one or two other high profile players who will be playing alongside him," said the experienced all-rounder.

"For me personally it will be great fun to watch someone like JJ play and also feed off his experience on the field. I am hoping we can push on towards the top of the end table with JJ coming into the side."

The 33 year old has played club cricket in England previously, and has also played in a number of T20 and List A competitions around the World which have helped him gain huge experience on and off the field. As well as playing for the club's 1st XI, JJ will be working with our junior sides at their evening training sessions during the summer. With more than 300 boys and girls signed up with the club for the 2022 season JJ will play an important role in this aspect of the club over the coming months, as Chairman Ollie Peck explained.

"We’re all hugely excited to welcome JJ to Upminster. He will be working during the week with all age groups in our thriving junior section, and supporting our Level 3 coaches Scott Simmons and Suminda Balage Don. It’s a great opportunity for our young aspiring players to benefit from the experience of learning from a player with international pedigree, who has been successful in all formats of the professional game."

We are sure that everyone connected with the club will join us in welcoming JJ to Upminster and wishing him all the best for the months ahead.