The wicketkeeper-batter spent time on loan at the County Ground during the 2023 Vitality Blast and makes the switch in search of regular all-format cricket
Aneurin Donald has agreed a two-year deal with Derbyshire and will leave Hampshire after a five-year stint.
The wicketkeeper-batter is the club's latest new addition, with Pat Brown joining on a three-year deal, Mohammad Amir arriving for the first half of next season and David Lloyd signing from Glamorgan.
Donald played an instrumental role in Hampshire's run to the 2023 One-Day Cup final, scoring two centuries, and was also part of the group that won the T20 Blast the previous summer.
The 26-year-old has scored 3,024 runs in first-class cricket, at an average of 31.50, and struck what at the time was the joint-fastest double-century in the format when scoring 234 off 136 balls for Glamorgan against Derbyshire in 2016.
Donald was part of a successful white-ball era for Hampshire (Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
Donald spent time on loan at Derbyshire during this season's Blast as cover for Brooke Guest, catching the eye of head coach Mickey Arthur across two appearances.
Arthur explained: "Aneurin impressed us during his short spell with us earlier this year and we were eager to bring him to the club.
"He's a powerful batter, capable of taking a game away from you very quickly, and he will also provide cover in the wicketkeeper department, an area we needed depth in.
"He has been a part of a very good Hampshire side, one which has routinely competed for trophies, that's the kind of player we want to bring to the club as we look to improve."
Donald in action for Glamorgan in 2016 (Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)
The Glamorgan youth product added: "At this point in my career, I need to be playing cricket and I want to be contributing to success, that's why I've come to Derbyshire, because I believe this is a project I can fit into.
"I had a few options at other counties, but the level of coaching and the project which is happening at Derbyshire really stood out to me.
"Mickey has spoken to me about his ambition for the club and I'm looking forward to playing a part in that journey."
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