"I've achieved more than what I thought I could achieve after becoming a professional cricketer at 30-years old," he said. "I've played nine seasons professionally and loved every minute of it."

Somerville began his first-class career with Otago in 2004-05 before moving to Australia where, after a gap of six years, he represented New South Wales between 2014-15 and 2017-18. He also played in the BBL for Sydney Sixers.

Somerville will play his last first-class game against Central Stags in Nelson early next month. Ahead of the ongoing around of Plunket Shield matches he had 156 first-class wickets at 29.57.

"Will is an all-round wonderful human being and is certainly the 'Dad' of the changing room," Auckland coach Doug Watson said. "His calmness and humility as well as his skilful bowling will be greatly missed by the boys."