The South African-born Dutch international is switching allegiances.
He will stay in Dunedin during the off-season and play for Otago next season as a qualifying player. Come February next year, he will have met the criteria to play as a local in the New Zealand domestic competition.
"I’ve just really loved my time here," Rippon said when asked why he had decided to stay on.
"I’ve only been here two months but I’ve really enjoyed the cricket. and just feel I can improve as a cricketer in this setup. I’m throwing my lot in with New Zealand cricket and I think it is the right decision."
The 25-year-old has made an impact for his adopted province since arriving in Dunedin in January.
A left-arm leg spinner, he is a rarity in world cricket. And other than Daniel Flynn, who occasionally dabbles in the art, he is the only one applying the trade at first class in New Zealand.That makes him a difficult proposition to face. In five one-dayers, he has picked up seven wickets at an average of 27.71, and as a makeshift opener he scored some valuable runs as well.
In the longer format, his bowling has been hindered by a back complaint during the past few weeks and he was ruled out of Otago’s Plunket Shield match against Northern Districts at the University Oval this week. But when fit, he is a threat and has taken seven wickets at 28.14.
With Otago’s slow bowling stocks having thinned with Mark Craig’s injury and Nick Beard’s unavailability, Rippon’s arrival was a considerable boost. He was actively encouraged to stay around and his decision to remain warmly welcomed.
"I’m looking really forward to doing a winter here. I haven’t done a pre-season for six years.
"I have mixed feelings about the winter here, but for my development, I’m looking forward to building my body up so I can play a full season and try to improve on my skills."
Rippon will also be doing some coaching work during the winter to help pay the bills.
