Glamorgan have suffered a blow with the news that talisman Jim Allenby will be leaving the Welsh county after requesting release from his contract.

Allenby, 32, has agreed to join Somerset.

Glamorgan has however, softened the blow after they moved swiftly to sign all-rounder Craig Meschede from Somerset on a season-long loan and the Club is also in advanced negotiations with an experienced top-order batsman. They have also confirmed Jacques Rudolph will be staying until 2017.

Chief Executive Hugh Morris said: "Whilst we appreciate the on-field contribution Jim has made to Glamorgan County Cricket Club over the past five seasons, we are disappointed he feels the next stage of his career would be best served away from the SWALEC Stadium."

"It is a shame to see Jim depart, but as we are focused on rebuilding a team capable of consistently competing for domestic honours, we need to have everyone at the Club fully committed to bringing success back to the County.”

Allenby said: "I have enjoyed my time at Glamorgan and I would like to thank the supporters for welcoming me to Wales and for all the support whilst I have played for the Club. I leave Glamorgan with some great memories and what I hope will be life-long friendships. I wish the players every success and hope they have long and enjoyable careers.”

As Allenby departs Glamorgan will welcome Craig Meschede on a season-long loan. Meschede is a young, exciting all-round cricketer whose maiden first-class wicket was Sachin Tendulkar. In 2013 he played in every one-day fixture for Somerset including taking career-best figures of 4 for 5 against Leicestershire in the Yorkshire Bank40 competition in Taunton, in addition to striking an unbeaten 40 against Glamorgan at the same ground with his match-winning innings including three fours and two sixes in an over to see the West Country side to victory.

Meschede said: "I am relishing the opportunity of developing my skills as a professional cricketer and I am really looking forward to the challenges and excitement of joining Glamorgan for the season."