NEW Zealand all-rounder Mitchell Santner has linked up with Worcestershire Rapids to prepare for his second stint as the club's overseas signing for the NatWest T20 Blast.

Santner took a short break back home after the Black Caps early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy.

He has returned to England ahead of the Rapids' opening sold out T20 Blast encounter with Birmingham Bears at New Road on July 7.

He will be reunited with his team-mates when they return from the current Specsavers County Championship clash with Durham at the Emirates.

The 25-year-old was forced to cut short his spell with the Rapids last summer after breaking a finger when fielding in the opening North Group game with visiting Durham Jets.

Director of cricket Steve Rhodes admitted it was a major blow to the Rapids hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages.

But now the Hamilton-born player is back with the County for the entire North Group programme.

Santner played all three of New Zealand's Champions Trophy matches against Australia, England and Bangladesh.

Before that he had been involved in the Kiwis four ODIs in Dublin - two against Ireland and two against Bangladesh. In total he has played 15 Tests, 39 ODIs and 14 T20Is.