HAMPSHIRE have signed Welsh cricketing prodigy Aneurin Donald from Glamorgan.

The 21-year-old batsman joins on loan for the remainder of the 2018 season and will sign a two-year contract from 2019.

The talented right-handed batsman, born in Swansea, averages over 30 in first-class cricket and has featured over 100 times for the Welsh county across all three formats.

He made his first-class debut for Glamorgan in 2014 and went on to score over 2,000 runs for them.

Hampshire’s director of cricket Giles White said: "Aneurin is a young player with a good attitude and lots of ability.

"He will add competition to the batting group and we hope that he is able to reach his potential with us at Hampshire.’’ Donald boasts a top score of 234 - the equal fastest double century in first-class cricket - and he will link up with his new teammates later this week.

He is likely to feature for Hampshire’s 2nd XI against Sussex over the coming days.

Donald is rated as one of the biggest young talents to emerge from Welsh cricket in recent years.

He has played for and captained England U19s.

His departure comes as a blow to Glamorgan chief executive Hugh Morris who said: “We are disappointed he rejected the offer and has decided to move on.

“We would, however, like to thank Aneurin for his contribution to Glamorgan and wish him success in the future.”

Donald himself said: “I am very grateful to everyone involved in Welsh Cricket who have helped me to develop all the way through to realising my dream of playing cricket for Glamorgan.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and the club will always hold a special place in my heart.

"I would like to wish the players, supporters and staff all the very best for the future.”