Harlequins CEO refutes Andre Esterhuizen rumours

Harlequins CEO Laurie Dalrymple has refuted claims that Springbok centre Andre Esterhuizen is considering leaving the club.

Rugbyrama in France posted an article this morning that linked the giant centre with a move to Lyon. The story went that the South African blockbuster was set head to France as a replacement for Josua Tuisova.

However Quins head honcho Dalrymple has dismissed the claims about Esterhuizen, who is contracted to 2025, by tweeting ‘No he is not’ about an account claiming he was leaving.

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No he’s not! https://t.co/HbaIa4uqb6

— Laurie Dalrymple (@LaurieDalrymple) January 9, 2023

Arriving at Harlequins at the tail end of the 2019/20 campaign, the eight-time capped Springbok played a key role in Quins’ spectacular rise to become Premiership champions last season, combining with England men Marcus Smith and Joe Marchant in the midfield to form a key pillar in Quins’ highly rated attack under assistant coach Nick Evans.

The 28-year-old Springbok centre, who stands at 6’4 and weighs 113kg, has made over 50 appearances for the west London club to date.

Although oft overlooked by the Springboks, the massive centre is has been in the form of his life at Harlequins. Last season Esterhuizen started in every single Gallagher Premiership game for Harlequins, a feat he shared with Danny Care and he won the Rugby Players’ Association players’ player of the year award.

Last summer Esterhuizen was ruled out of South Africa’s Test series decider against Wales after breaking his hand.

Esterhuizen joined the Sharks in 2013, making his debut in a 72–6 victory against the Border Bulldogs, coming on as a substitute in the second half. He was first included in the side’s Super Rugby squad for the 2014 season and made his South Africa debut against Wales in 2018.