Cape Town - Wayne Parnell has effectively ended his Proteas career by signing a Kolpak deal with English county Worcestershire.
Already 29-years-old, Parnell has not had the international career he looked primed for when he captained the SA Under-19 side in 2008.
He says he has not had much contact with the national selectors in recent months, but according to Cricinfo the decision was still one of the toughest of his career.
"Of course this wasn't an overnight decision, it's a very difficult decision and I am fully aware and understand the pros and cons of it. I have always enjoyed playing for my country since making my debut. I'd like to thank everybody who has supported me through thick and thin, my family, my friends," he told the website.
Parnell added that he had been considering the move for the better part of a year.
Parnell played six Tests, 65 ODIs and 40 T20Is during his international career.