Hampshire have confirmed the signings of South African duo Kyle Abbott and Rilee Rossouw.

Abbott, who returns to the Ageas Bowl following a successful spell with the club in 2014, has signed a four-year deal.

Left-handed batsman Rossouw has also committed his long-term future to Hampshire on a three-year contract. 

Both are Kolpak signings, having effectively given up their international careers to play for Hampshire.

Confirmation of Abbott's decision came at the end of the second Test against Sri Lanka.

Hampshire Director of Cricket, Giles White said: “We know Kyle well from his previous stint with us and Rilee comes with an excellent reputation.

"Both are players of high quality and their commitment to long term contracts is a major boost to the Hampshire playing squad ahead of the 2017 season.

“We are confident that having them around will have a big influence both on and off the field; we are excited about their arrival and look forward to welcoming them and their families to the club.”

Abbot, 29, made a positive impression during his time with Hampshire two years ago, claiming 36 first-class wickets at 20.33 apiece during his season-long stay.

The right-armer has also featured prominently for South Africa on the international stage since making his debut in 2013.

He finished his career at the highest level with 39 wickets at 22.7 after signing off with 0-55 in his 11th Test, during which news of his move to Hampshire was broken. 

Rossouw has also impressed at international level since making his debut in 2014, representing South Africa in 51 limited-overs fixtures.

The left-hander has made more than 1,500 runs for his country, including 122 in his last international appearance in October –which helped guide his side to an ODI series whitewash over Australia.

In a statement, Rossouw revealed why he has effectively ended his international career.

"Deciding to leave South Africa is something I have thought long and hard about and moving to England will give me and my family the long-term career security that I believe is important at this stage of my life.

"I have loved representing the Proteas and will watch from afar with great affection every time they take the field from now on, but I am hugely dedicated to making Hampshire cricket successful on the field.

"I would like to express my thanks to Cricket South Africa for the opportunity to represent my country and also for the Knights for their continued support.

"The move to England and Hampshire Cricket is one that I can't wait to get underway.

"I have come close to playing county cricket a couple of times in the past and it is a challenge most cricketers want to take on at some stage in their careers and I am delighted it is at a county with as strong pedigree as Hampshire."