Rian Barnard, like his twin brother Adam, is looking to return to the UK in 2025 for his second successive season having enjoyed his first year here helping Thornton Cleveleys to second place in the Palace Shield Premier Division, the club’s highest league placing in 18 years.

Rian’s role was primarily with the bat, he accumulated just over 500 runs in all competitions and a vital 46 batting at three in the Meyler Cup final against Morecambe CC saw his side win the trophy and demonstrated his skill and nerve under pressure.

Bowling opportunities were few and far between, but his quick leg-spin produced a string of useful performances in the T20 competition and won him the bowlers award from the club in that competition.

Rian plays Ermelo Warriors back in Mpumalanga in South Africa and has been the leading runscorer for his Premier League club for the last two years. Having played through the Mpumalanga age-groups, Rian will be hopeful that consistent performances will have him in the discussions for Mpumalanga senior selection in the future.

The young South African is clearly capable of producing even more in UK club cricket should he get the opportunity in 2025.