SOMERSET County Cricket Club’s highly rated youngster Thomas Rew has signed an extension to his current contract which will see him remain with the Cidermen until at least the end of the 2029 season.

The 18-year-old wicket keeper/batter, who plays his club cricket for Taunton St Andrews, and attended King’s Hall and then King’s College, has pledged his future to the club.

Thomas made his First XI debut for the county in all three formats in 2025 and has gone on to make a total of 30 appearances for Somerset, scoring 990 runs with a best of 149 against Warwickshire in the County Championship. His work behind the stumps has been equally impressive.

In 2026 the youngster played in three county championship matches before suffering an injury which caused him to miss the second half of the red ball programme.

However, in that handful of games, Thomas scored 409 runs at an average of 81.80, including two centuries and a 50. Against Warwickshire in June he scored his career best to date of 149, during which he shared a seventh wicket partnership of 233 with Craig Overton who scored 111.

Thomas, who will celebrate his 19th birthday on November 29, joined the Somerset Pathway at Under 11 level, worked his way onto the Somerset Academy via the Somerset Emerging Player Programme, made his Second XI debut for the club in 2023 and has gone on to captain England Under 19s, leading the side to the World Cup final earlier this year.

This year saw Thomas make his debut for England Lions and feature in a number of franchise tournaments.

He was recently awarded an England Development contract and was named in England’s IT20 squad for the forthcoming tour of Australia. He will also captain England Lions during their IT20 tour of the Caribbean.

After signing his new contract, Thomas said: “It’s an absolute honour to call Somerset my home. It’s where I’ve grown up, and every time I walk out in front of those fans it’s very special. The Somerset badge means a lot to me and to everyone inside that dressing room, so hopefully we can continue to challenge for trophies and bring a few more home.

“To get my maiden County Championship hundred this year was a special feeling and I’m going to keep striving to do it again and again.

He added: “Although we walk away from this season without a trophy, there have been a positives. The way that we went about everything is very promising and I think we’ve definitely got a lot to look forward to over the next few years.”

Somerset Director of Cricket Andy Hurry said: “Thomas has transitioned into the First XI environment extremely well and has quickly shown the qualities that make us excited about his future. We believe he has the potential to play an important role for Somerset across all formats for many years to come.

“What has stood out most is how comfortable and confident he has looked from the outset. He has a strong work ethic, a real willingness to learn and improve, and the resilience and determination needed to keep developing his game. Those qualities will give him every opportunity to fulfil his potential and make a significant impact for Somerset in the years ahead.”