Port Elizabeth - Eastern Cape directors announced on Tuesday that they had released all-rounder Zander de Bruyn from his contract for the 2009/10 season.

De Bruyn, who had one more year to run on his three-year contract, is relocating back to Gauteng due to personal reasons.

The former South African Test all-rounder is one of four players released by the Warriors. The others are Proteas left-arm spinner Robin Peterson, wicketkeeper Athenkosi Dyili and fast bowler Mario Olivier.

Peterson has joined the Cape Cobras.

Coach Russell Domingo said the Warriors had formalised 15 of the permissible 18 contracts. He added the Warriors were looking at the possibility of signing a further three players.

"It is an exciting squad and it is encouraging to see young players such as Siyamthanda Ntshona, Corbyn Dolley and Andrew Birch coming through the ranks," said Domingo.

"Hopefully this will be the start of successful careers with the Warriors. Darryl Brown and Andrew Birch have progressed through the Border and EP Amateur teams and their consistent performances at that level have warranted them receiving professional contracts with the Warriors," added Domingo.

Davy Jacobs has retained the captaincy.

The 15 contracted players are: Davy Jacobs (captain), Andrew Birch, Darryl Brown, Corbyn Dolley, Colin Ingram, Riaan Jeggels, Arno Jacobs, Justin Kreusch, Lyall Meyer, Sinethemba Mjekula, Siyamthanda Ntshona, Michael Smith, Jon Jon Smuts, Juan Theron, Craig Thyssen

The Cricket South Africa contracted players are: Johan Botha, Wayne Parnell, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Ashwell Prince, Mark Boucher, Jacques Kallis, Makhaya Ntini