Allrounder David Wiese’s move to Sussex, where he will join Stiaan van Zyl, has been confirmed.

News of the deal broke last week, but there was no confirmation until Titans CEO Jacques Faul announced his departure.

‘David’s decision to sign a Kolpak-deal for Sussex is indeed a sad day for us at the franchise and for South Africa,’ says Faul.

‘It is sad because we obviously pride ourselves in being a successful conveyor belt for international players. South Africa is losing the services of a match-winning all-rounder whose tremendous straight hitting and masterful change of pace makes him an asset to any team,’ Faul remarked. ‘For us, it is disappointing that would not be available for the Proteas in the T20-series against Sri Lanka.

‘We are indebted to David because he has been very frank with us from the start, and he has handled the whole process with professionalism and integrity.

The departure of Wiese comes hot on the heels of the shock revelation of Kyle Abbott and Rilee Rossouw moving to Hampshire and cutting ties with the Proteas. They join Simon Harmer, who has signed with Essex and Hardus Viljoen (Derbyshire) in players leaving this season. Colin Ingram is another, having signed with Glamorgan in 2015.

Marchant de Lange is the latest South African linked to a Kolpak deal, with Glamorgan apparently looking to sign the Knights speedster

Dane Piedt’s agent recently suggested the Cobras spinner was seeking a move overseas, but the player recently denied this and committed himself to the franchise, where was appointed captain in the new year.

Wiese has made 26 appearances in ODIs and T20s (in which he has a career-best of 5-23) without ever being seen as a regular. He played in last year’s series win over England, and at the World T20, but his performances have not reflected his reputation for finishing games.

He has played at the IPL and CPL and remains an important part of the Titans’ team but, at 31, and with the amount of young talent coming through, an international future is unlikely.

But, said Faul, ‘he has also committed himself to represent the Titans for the rest of his career. He is a whole-hearted performer and a dedicated human being who commands the utmost respect. We wish David a very successful Kolpak-career for Sussex and trust that he will be a proud flag-bearer of South Africa and the Titans.’