Beau Webster signs for Hobart Hurricanes, Mitch Owen goes to South Africa

The Hobart Hurricanes’ BBL title defence is just days old but they’ve already got stronger for next season and the first overseas opportunity has arrived for Mitch Owen. See the details.

Beau Webster is back with the Hurricanes. Photo: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images.

The Hobart Hurricanes’ week is getting even better after officially announcing the signing of Australian all-rounder Beau Webster.

Just days after winning their first Big Bash title, the Canes confirmed the 31-year-old would rejoin the Tasmanian outfit after playing for them in BBL06.

It’s a remarkable signing for the Hurricanes who have already retained most of their championship winning squad.

“I am pumped to return to Hobart next summer for the BBL and get the opportunity to play on a packed Ninja Stadium in front of our fans, my friends and family,” Webster said.

“Vaughany (coach Jeff Vaughan) and Nelly (captain Nathan Ellis) have got the group playing a really good brand of cricket, and to see them win a championship makes me hungry to bring another one to ‘Canes fans next season.”

Meanwhile, Mitch Owen has cashed in on his first overseas opportunity after signing with South African T20 competition side Paarl Royals.

The Royals currently sit top of the competition ladder with the 23-year-old called into replace English skipper Joe Root who has departed with just one game to go in the regular season.

And he could make his debut as soon as Saturday night AEDT.

“Fresh off a BBL winning hundred, Mitch Owen is ready to bring the Gees for the Royals,” the club said in a social media post.

Hurricanes high performance general manager Salliann Beams expressed her excitement at the signing of Webster.

“We have seen over the past eighteen months just how special of a player Beau is, and to have him re-join the Hurricanes is something that will make all Tasmanians proud to hear,” Beams said.

“Beau’s skill set in the short form of the game is up there with some of the best in the country, and he can take the game away from the opposition with the bat while also providing another wicket-taking option with the ball.

“His leadership will also be a vital aspect of his role at the Hurricanes, and he is great mates with the players we already have on our list which means he will fit into what we are trying to build seamlessly.

“This one is really exciting for Hurricanes fans.”

Tim David’s future with the club remains one of the biggest talking points but after the final told this masthead he was hopeful of staying.

“That (contract) stuff is being taken care of off the field. I’m not concerned by any of it,” David said.

“Obviously the press is going to drum up certain stuff about how things are going, it’s a quirk of the negotiation window.

“It’s nice for me to be talked about in those circles but I hope you see how much I enjoy being a part of this team. We’ll see what happens.”

Hurricanes squad for BBL17 so far: Iain Carlisle, Nikhil Chaudhary, Nathan Ellis, Caleb Jewell, Chris Jordan (overseas player), Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Mitch Owen, Matthew Wade, and Mac Wright.

Originally published as Beau Webster signs for Hobart Hurricanes, Mitch Owen goes to South Africa