Harlequins boss responds to Esterhuizen's transfer talk

NEWS: Harlequins CEO Laurie Dalrymple has moved swiftly to refute claims that Springbok centre Andre Esterhuizen is heading for the exit door.

According to France media outlet RugbyRama, the Springbok centre had been linked to a move to Top14 club Lyon.

RugbyRama reported Esterhuizen had been headhunted as a replacement for Josua Tuisova.

However, Dalrymple dismissed the reports with a very blunt tweet, reading ‘No he is not’.

Esterhuizen is under contract with Premiership club Harlequins until 2025.

No he’s not! https://t.co/HbaIa4uqb6

— Laurie Dalrymple (@LaurieDalrymple) January 9, 2023

Esternhuizen known as the Giant joined the Harlequins in 2019.

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 has made over 50 appearances for the west London club to date.

Although often 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 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 year 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.