Andre Esterhuizen to leave Harlequins at end of season

Harlequins have announced that South Africa international Andre Esterhuizen will leave the Gallagher Premiership club at the end of the ongoing season.

Esterhuizen joined Harlequins in 2020 and has made more than 82 appearances for the club since then. He was part of the club that clinched the Premiership title in the 2020/21 season.

The 29-year-old has scored 24 tries across four seasons and was voted the RPA Players’ Player of the Year in 2022, alongside the Harlequins Players’ Player of the Year and DHL Fans Player of the Season in 2021/22.

Esterhuizen made his Springboks debut in 2018 and was part of the squad that won the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

“I’m very grateful to Harlequins for providing me with the opportunity to return home to South Africa and be closer to my family," he told the club's official website.

"It’s been a difficult decision but I’m very thankful to the Club for working through the process with me.

"I have loved my time at Quins, the Club has played a huge role in my development and career achievements, and I have forged incredible memories and great teammates.

"I want to thank the fans for their fantastic support, playing in front of The Stoop every week is very special and I look forward to my final few months at the Club. Once a Quin, always a Quin!”

Harlequins are positioned second in the Gallagher Premiership table with seven wins from 12 matches.