Harlequins reveal departing players at end of 2023/24 season
Andre Esterhuizen is among the nine players to leave the club
©Steve Haag
Harlequins have confirmed that 11 players will be leaving the Gallagher Premiership club at the end of the ongoing 2023/24 season.
Makeen Alikhan (flanker), Lovejoy Chawatama (prop), Will Collier (prop), Theo Currie (second-row), Will Edwards (fly-half), Andre Esterhuizen (centre), Santiago Garcia Botta (prop), Max Green (scrum-half), Louis Lynagh (wing), Jonny Smith (flanker) and Luke Wallace (flanker) are the players, who will exit the club at the end of the ongoing campaign.
Alikhan joined the senior academy in the 2021/22 season and went on to make his club debut against Saracens in 2021. He is now set to join the Dallas Jackals in March for the 2024 MRL season.
Chawatama registered 93 appearances for London Irish and enjoyed stints with Clifton RFC, London Scottish and London Welsh and joined Harlequins as an injury cover in 2023. He will now make a switch to Bristol Bears.
Collier has made more than 240 appearances for the club and was part of their Premiership triumph in 2012 and 2021. He is now moving to France to explore an opportunity in Top 14.
Currie has been a product of Harlequins Academy and had represented Scotland Under 20 in this year's Six Nations tournament while fly-half Will Edwards joined Harlequins in November 2020 and achieved 33 appearances and 110 points.
South Africa's Esterhuizen will return back to Sharks next season and has made 89 appearances for the club with Garcia Botta retiring from rugby to transition into a new career as a strength and conditioning coach. Green joined Harlequins in September 2023 while Lynagh now moves to Italy to pursue new opportunity.
“I want to thank our departing players for their contribution to Harlequins and for everything they have given throughout their time at the Club. It’s been a pleasure to work with these players and I have no doubt they will succeed in their next chapter, whether that’s in rugby or in their transition into a new career," said director of rugby Billy Millard.
“We look forward to saying our goodbyes and thanking the players following Saturday’s match at The Stoop. I know the Quins faithful will provide them with a fitting farewell and thank them for their excellent service and dedication to our Club.”
