Johann is fondly remembered at the County Ground especially for his Player of the Year season in 2004 when he took a club record 34 wickets in the Totesport league.

After a spell with Middlesex, Johann took a break from cricket in England for a season but has continued in good form in South Africa where he plays for the Nashua Dolphins.

His form this winter has been impressive with 41 first class wickets at an average of 18.31.

Coach David Capel said "We are fortunate that we have been able to attract a player of Johann's quality back to the club at this late stage of preparation.

"We needed to reinforce our seam bowling department due to the ECB blocking Johann van der Wath and Andrew Hall's registrations for 2008, and although we will not have Johann available for the opening two LV Championship and FPT matches he will be a welcome addition to our squad.

"He has expressed to me how excited he is about returning to us and I feel that he is capable of matching his best season for us when he took in excess of 60 1st class wickets.

"He has obviously been in good form during the South African domestic season, which he will be looking forward to continuing when he joins us at the end of April."

Louw said "I have enjoyed my best cricket years at Northants and I am looking forward to playing there again.

"Hopefully we can achieve what the club has being working towards and personally it will be great to be under the watchful eye of David Capel. I am very excited about the season and can't wait to join the squad at the end of April."