TWO graduates from the Somerset Academy, all rounder Kian Roberts and seamer James Theedom, have signed their first professional contracts with the club.

Nineteen year old Kian is a product of the Cornwall Pathway and has signed a deal for the 2026 season. He attended Taunton School and played his club cricket for Bridgwater.

In 2025, Kian featured in five Second XI County Championship matches, scoring 202 runs at an average of 50.50 and a best of 121 not out. He also claimed eight wickets with a best of two for 22. Kian's form for the Second XI saw him named in this year's One Day Cup squad and his Somerset debut came in the competition against Lancashire in August, followed by a further opportunity at Sussex where he scored 29 and claimed his maiden First XI wicket when he dismissed Oli Carter.

James Theedom is 18 years old and has signed his first professional contract with Somerset which will see him stay at Taunton until the end of 2027. The former Exeter College student, who plays his club cricket for Sandford, worked his way through the Devon Pathway before joining the Somerset Academy. James featured in a total of 13 Second XI matches across the formats this summer, claiming eight wickets and scoring a number of important lower order runs. James was named in this season’s Metro Bank One Day Cup squad, making his First XI debut in the victory at Yorkshire, claiming his maiden wicket when he dismissed Finlay Bean. He also played in the win at Kent.

He said: “I’m feeling really proud to have the chance to sign my first contract with Somerset and very proud to be another Devonian to have come through the Pathway. I’m now ready for the next big challenge of competing for a place in the Somerset First XI squad.”