Marshall hopes to resume his international career in the future

The move was prompted by financial considerations and he will now be able to play for the club on a non-overseas basis as he has an Irish passport.

Marshall has agreed a new deal which will keep him at Bristol until 2011.

"He brings a lot of experience and, all in all, he is a quality act," said chief executive Tom Richardson.

"We are all looking forward immensely to working with him in the next few years.

"We see him playing an important part not only in helping us to compete successfully in all competitions but also in bringing on, developing and getting the best out of our crop of potentially very good young players."

Marshall, 28, announced his decision to give up playing for New Zealand last week, describing it as the "most difficult" of his life.

"I would like to thank the staff at NZC [New Zealand Cricket] for their support of me over the years, particularly [coach] John Bracewell and the Black Caps team management.

"They have created an excellent team environment that I have found very difficult to leave."

He played 66 one-day internationals, the last three during the World Cup in the Caribbean earlier this year, and 13 Test matches.

His twin brother James has also played for New Zealand.

Lindsay Crocker, New Zealand's team manager, said they were disappointed by Marshall's decision.

"I believe he likely had a future with the Black Caps, however I accept his reasons for pursuing the certainty of a career in county cricket and wish him all the best," he commented.