HAMPSHIRE director of cricket Giles White has assured the county's youngsters that the focus is still on developing homegrown talent - despite the signings of Kyle Abbott and Rilee Rossouw.

Abbott and Rossouw are Hampshire's first South African Kolpak signings since Johann Myburgh and Friedel De Wet, who left after a solitary season at the Ageas Bowl in 2011.

But White is confident they will be more like Neil McKenzie and Nic Pothas, who excelled for Hampshire for 14 seasons, during which they were outstanding mentors to the county's young players, including the likes of James Vince and Liam Dawson.

McKenzie signed for Hampshire after a 58-Test career which also featured 68 one-day internationals for South Africa.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Pothas ended his South Africa career after three one-day internationals to play for the county, to whom he gave invaluable service for a decade.

Both were able to play for Hampshire as non-overseas players thanks to the controversial Kolpak ruling, an EU-trade loophole.

Abbott and Rossouw could be two of the last players to take advantage of it when Brexit goes through.

Like McKenzie and Pothas, they are here for the long-term after signing four and three-year contracts respectively.

White said: "Macca and Skeg are good examples of what Kolpak players can bring. Even Dimi [Mascarnehas] came from Australia but is very much thought of as a Hampshire man.

"For me it's about bringing the right people to the club while focusing on producing our own players.

"We have to strike the right balance so will be keeping a close eye on that.

"A lot of our players are scattered around the world at the moment but we have a whatsapp group which helps us keep everyone updated with news.

"They know the bigger picture and no-one needs to be reminded that last year exposed the lack of depth in our squad.

"Injuries will play a part in any team but a bigger squad will help us keep players fit."

Abbott, 29, and Rossouw, 27, follow overseas star George Bailey in signing since Hampshire's remarkable reprieve from relegation.

Hampshire's other Kolpak signing, former West Indies star Fidel Edwards, will be like a new addition when he returns to action after a year out injured.