COPDOCK & Old Ipswichians have signed an international all-rounder as they prepare for life in East Anglia’s top league.

Christi Viljoen, who plays for Namibia, has joined the club who will be playing in the Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier League after winning promotion from the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship last season.

The 24-year-old scored 98 last month for an ICC Combined XI in Dubai against England in a warm-up match before the First Test against Pakistan.

Chris Swallow, captain of Copdock & OIs, said: “Christi is a massive signing for us ahead of our first season in the East Anglian Premier League. He is a genuine all-rounder, who bowls medium quick, and showed his ability as a batsman by scoring 98 against England recently.

“Christi will also be coaching at all levels at the club, including the first team, and will also have an important role to play in terms of developing younger players at the club.”

Viljoen, whose signing is subject to being granted a visa, will be coaching full time during the summer term at Ipswich School.

While Viljoen is the club’s marquee signing for this season, Suffolk batsman Martyn Cull has also joined the club.

Cull, who used to play for Felixstowe, has more recently been playing for Clacton in the East Anglian Premier League, and will bring vital experience to the batting line-up.

He is a regular in Suffolk’s Minor Counties team and in 2009 became only the second batsman in the county’s history to score a double century, compiling 208 not out against Hertfordshire.

Swallow said: “He will bring with him a great attitude on-and-off the field, and I am hoping his experience will rub off on the younger players at the club and add to their development.

“He is about as good a batsman as you can get without being a professional county cricketer.”