Adam Rossington has left Northamptonshire following his removal from the club captaincy, signing for Essex on an initial season-long loan.
Rossington, who is in the final year of his Northants contract, was replaced as their County Championship captain by new head coach John Sadler following the club's pre-season tour to Potchefstroom last month. A club statement confirming Ricardo Vasconcelos had been appointed to lead the four-day team made no mention of Rossington, who was then described as "unavailable for selection" as Northants brought in Lewis McManus on loan from Hampshire.
Northants said in a further statement on Monday morning that Rossington had "requested time away from the squad after a change in the club's leadership group", while confirming his move to Chelmsford for the 2022 season. "The cricket committee were happy to support this and maintained a conversation throughout, but unfortunately could not come to an agreement," the statement added.
Rossington took over as club captain in 2019, after Alex Wakely stepped down, and led Northants to promotion that season. "I've thoroughly enjoyed my eight years at Northamptonshire and was looking forward to leading the lads in Division One this season," he said.
"I wasn't expecting a change so I'm sad to be leaving, but the club will always hold a special place in my heart. We've created some wonderful memories in that dressing room that I'll take with me and I'd like to say thank you to my team-mates and the supporters as well."
Ray Payne, Northants' chief executive, said: "It's disappointing Adam doesn't see his future with Northamptonshire, but everyone at the club truly wishes him well for the future and we thank him for his fantastic service over the past eight years and as captain most recently.
"Adam did a brilliant job as captain after taking over in difficult circumstances in 2019 and the cricket committee had Adam as a central part of our plans moving forward. Conversations around keeping him here had been ongoing since the end of last season so it's a shame he won't be with the squad as they take that place in Division One."
Rossington arrived at Chelmsford on Monday morning ahead of Essex's pre-season media day and will be available for their Championship opener against Kent which starts on Thursday. With his Northants contract up at the end of the season, Essex will be favourites to sign him permanently if he impresses this season.
"I'm delighted to bring someone of Adam's quality to the club ahead of the new season," Anthony McGrath, their head coach, said. "The signing will give us more options over the course of a busy summer of cricket and create some healthy competition for places which is an important factor to improving as a group and achieving success.
"He was Northants' captain up until recently so will also bring those leadership qualities and added experience to the group, which is important, especially following the departures of experienced squad members last year."