Hampshire starlet Joe Weatherley has joined Kent on a season-long loan. 

Weatherley, 20, signed a contract extension until the end of the 2019 season, days after his Hampshire teammate Reece Topley committed until the conclusion of the 2018 campaign.

But as part of the deal, Weatherley will join Kent for the forthcoming season.

He said: “I’m ecstatic! Hampshire is where I want to be playing my cricket – it’s a really exciting club to be around and I’m chuffed to be a part of that for the coming years.

“An opportunity came up at Kent which will allow me to get some good cricket under my belt and there’s potentially more playing opportunities there this season.

"Long-term my future is with Hampshire but given the strength of the side on paper this year, this works really well to help with developing my game.”

Weatherley is a product of Hampshire’s youth set-up having represented the county from an early age.

The right-hander has also featured prominently for England at age-group level and captained England U19s in 2015.

The top-order batsman has made a total of nine appearances for the club so far in his career, with a knock of 83 against Cardiff MCCU his highest first-class score to date.

Director of Cricket Giles White said: “Joe is an exciting prospect and this extension confirms that he is a big part of future plans at the club.

"He has had success at each level he has played and this loan spell at Kent gives him another challenge and opportunity to develop his game.”

Winchester-born Weatherley made an impressive 429 runs at 85.80 for Australian grade side, Woodville, during the winter, including a double-century.

Meanwhile, Topley is looking forward to the start of the season after his debut campaign lasted just one day, due to a fractured hand and a shoulder injury.

He said: “I’m thrilled to sign a year’s extension here with Hampshire.

"I can’t wait to get back out on the field and play this year and I’m excited to contribute to the club’s future successes in the coming years.”

Director of Cricket Giles White said: “We are delighted Reece has committed to the club.

"His attitude to his rehab has been outstanding and it is great to see him bowling again; we are confident that he will be a key player over the coming years.”

Topley possesses impressive statistics at domestic level so far in his career, having claimed a total of 271 wickets at an average of just 23.57 across all formats.

The 6ft 7in bowler has also impressed at International level, having represented England in 16 limited-overs fixtures so far in his career – including during the most recent World IT20 tournament in March 2016 – taking 21 wickets at an average of 30.11.

Topley is currently preparing for the upcoming season alongside with Hampshire teammates in Barbados, as part of the club’s annual pre-season tour.