MITCHELL Santner will link up with Worcestershire Rapids later today to launch his spell as the club's 2016 overseas player for the NatWest T20 Blast.

The New Zealander is due to land at Heathrow at lunch-time before travelling to New Road to meet his new team-mates.

Santner is available for all the Rapids matches in the North Group beginning with the opening clash against visiting Durham on May 20.

All-rounder Santner was one of the stars of the recent ICC World T20 in helping the Black Caps reach the semi-final.

He will be reunited with fellow Kiwi in paceman Matt Henry who has joined Worcestershire for the first half of the campaign.

Director of cricket Steve Rhodes said: "Mitchell arrives on Wednesday. He has had a busy international season but he has had a little bit of time off since the ICC T20 so he will come fresh.

"I know he is determined to do well. He is a young man with a bright future. He did well in the ICC T20 but also did well before that in all the formats.

"He is a good young cricketer but he has got a point to prove.

"He has never played county cricket - and it is important to get players with a point to prove."

Santner has replaced another New Zealander in Colin Munro has the Rapids main T20 Blast player this summer.