Shane Getkate is looking forward to a return to Leinster cricket after spending a decade in the NCU.

The Irish international won the last of his 34 caps two years ago, but at just 32 years-old has still plenty to offer with many productive years ahead of him.

He joined CSNI in 2014, moving to Shaw's Bridge in 2017, becoming part of the Instonians side that enjoyed great success, including the Premiership crown last year.

"I'm really looking forward to joining Phoenix this season," Getkate told CricketEurope.

"I'm very grateful for the opportunity they have given me to join such a historic club. It will be nice to play in the park each week during the summer! 

"They have some ambitious plans with some good people around which I am looking forward to being apart of and hoping to win as many game as I can for the club this season. 

"Phoenix have a nice mix of internationals as well as young lads coming through the system who  I will enjoy playing with and passing on as much experience as I can during my time there."

It was a tough decision for the talented cricketer to leave Belfast, but he has recently started a new job in Dublin as a Partnerships Development Representative with Dataships - a tech sales company with a marketing compliance company, where his manager is ex-Ireland rugby international Ian Madigan.

"I’ve loved every minute at instonians over the last seven years. They are an amazing club with great people around so made the decision extremely hard to leave. Given my new job which is now based in Dublin I felt it was the right call moving forward.

"I’d like to pay special thanks to Norman Shannon, Erica Luke, Andrew Rose and Andrew Agnew amongst many others who have been a great support during my time at the club.

"I wish them all the best this season!"

Getkate will continue to play for the Warriors in the interprovincial series - he has been nominated for the Player of the Year in the Cricket Ireland Awards which take place on Friday at Clontarf Castle.