The Knights have been busy in the transfer market following their return to Division One, after a dominant Division Two campaign in which they swept all three available titles. Ruthven is one of several exciting new signings as the side looks to make an immediate impact back in the top tier.

The talented batter, a product of Hoërskool Waterkloof, arrives off the back of an impressive 2025/26 season with Eastern Cape Iinyathi, where he played a key role in their run to both the T20 Knockout and One-Day Cup finals – the latter ending in defeat to his new team, the Knights.

It was a genuine breakthrough campaign for Ruthven, who made his mark across all three formats. In first-class cricket, he was particularly outstanding, scoring 458 runs in just six innings at a remarkable average of 91.60, including a career-best 194.

He also made valuable contributions in the white-ball formats. In List A cricket, he scored 175 runs in six matches at an average of 29.16, with a top score of 53. In the T20 arena, he added 166 runs in seven games at an average of 23.71, with a highest score of 40.

Ruthven told OFM Sport the move to the Knights represents a massive opportunity – one he had hoped for, but didn’t expect to come around quite so quickly.

George van Heerden. Photo: Cricinfo

“I’m very excited to be joining the Knights for this season, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity,” said Ruthven. “Coming from Division Two, my main goal was always to step up to Division One, so for it to happen this quickly is something I didn’t quite expect, but I’m very thankful.

“I really enjoyed my time at Border – it’s an unbelievable team and a fantastic environment with great coaches and players. That said, this opportunity with the Knights is one I felt I had to take as I look to move forward with my cricketing future. 

“I believe we’ve got a strong squad and an exciting season lies ahead.”

Jono Bird. Photo: Western Province

Ruthven won’t be the only familiar face making the move to Mangaung. He will be joined by his former Border teammate, seamer Nico van Zyl, who enjoyed a superb season with the ball and finished as the leading wicket-taker in the One-Day Cup with 21 wickets.

The Knights have further bolstered their ranks with the signings of George van Heerden from the Garden Route Badgers and Jono Bird from Western Province, both of whom will add depth and experience to the squad. Leg-spinner Junaid Dawood (previously played for the Cape Cobras, Warriors, Lions, and Boland) and all-rounder Emanuel Motswiri of Limpopo Impalas are also set to link up with the team as the Bloemfontein-based outfit builds towards what promises to be an exciting campaign.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm