Somerset have boosted their seam bowling options with the signing of South African paceman Alfonso Thomas.

The 31-year-old has been recruited on a one-year contract, subject to him obtaining a work permit.

Thomas played a Twenty20 international against Pakistan last year and has also toured India with South Africa.

"I watched him twice when I was out in South Africa and was impressed with what I saw," said Somerset director of cricket Brian Rose.

606: DEBATE I would prefer that Kolpak players are kept to a minimum Falconjdc

"He is very highly rated and has a great record. Alfonso will be a great addition and will really strengthen the Somerset squad," he told the club's website.

Thomas has been signed under the terms of the 2003 Kolpak ruling, which states that "any citizen of a country with an associate agreement" with the European Union has the same rights as a European worker, and will not count as an overseas player.

He is the club's second foreign signing of the winter following the arrival of West Indies all-rounder Omari Banks.

Playing for Somerset will be Thomas's second taste of county cricket, having appeared for Warwickshire in the final month of the 2007 season.