INTERNATIONAL stars Devon Conway and Quinton de Kock have signed for Ageas Bowl-based Southern Brave as overseas replacements for Marcus Stoinis and David Warner.

Conway has made an instant impact in international cricket with a double century on Test debut for New Zealand against England at Lord’s last week.

He is averaging 59 in T20Is and 75 in ODIs since making his international bow for the Black Caps last year.

South African wicketkeeper-batter de Kock, has over 9,500 international runs to his name across over 200 internal appearances in all formats of the game.

He will link up with Southern Brave men's head coach Mahela Jayawardena again after working with him previously at Mumbai Indians in the IPL.

Conway and de Kock will replace Australian players David Warner and Marcus Stoinis who have had to pull out due to conflicting schedules and travel challenges due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Devon Conway said: “I’m really excited to have joined Southern Brave. I have really enjoyed my time playing in the UK so far, and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in with the team and taking part in the first season of The Hundred.”

de Kock added: “The Ageas Bowl is a fantastic ground to play at I can’t wait to get going with Southern Brave this summer. I'm also really excited to be working with Mahela again. Hopefully we can have plenty of fans in to support us and we can give them something to cheer about.”

The Southern Brave are set to begin their Hundred campaign with a trip to Trent Rockets on July 24 – the tournament itself gets underway three days previously.

And explosive Australian batsman Warner admits it is tough to have to pull out of the competition.

David Warner commented: “I’m gutted to have to pull out of The Hundred at this stage, I was really excited to be a part of it.

“However, with current restrictions and playing schedules I need to stay in Australia and focus on my family.

“I want to wish everyone involved with Southern Brave the best of luck, I’ll be cheering them on from the sidelines.”

Southern Brave general manager Giles White said: “While we are disappointed that David Warner and Marcus Stoinis will not be available for our men’s team, we are delighted to welcome both Devon and Quinton to the side.

“They are both quality cricketers who will add power and excitement up the top of the order for us.”