CONFIRMED: Catrakilis returns to South Africa
TRANSFER NEWS: Demetri Catrakilis is set to return to the Southern Kings ahead of the new Pro14 season starting in September.
After much speculation and interest, the English Premiership side, Harlequins, and the Southern Kings reached an agreement for the talented flyhalf to return to Port Elizabeth to re-join the side he played for in 2013.
The 29-year-old has signed a one-year deal with the franchise, with the option of an extension at the end of June next year.
He will join the Southern Kings in July ahead of the PRO14 2019/20 season.
🙏 Good luck, @dcatrakilis. We hope you get more moments like this.#COYQ pic.twitter.com/HI918CWZin
— Harlequins 🃏 (@Harlequins) June 12, 2019
“We are happy to announce that Demetri Catrakilis will be joining us for the upcoming season, bringing with him a wealth of experience in the flyhalf department,” Southern Kings Director of High Performance, Robbi Kempson, said.
Catrakilis was part of the Southern Kings team that played in the 2013 Super Rugby campaign where he proved to be a valuable asset, playing in 15 matches and top scoring with 151 points- which was a record for the franchise in Super Rugby.
He has also played for the Stormers (2014-2015) and French Top 14 side Montpellier (2015-2017) before joining Harlequins in 2017.
Commenting on his return to the Southern Kings, Catrakilis added: “I’m extremely excited to be back at the Kings. I left a piece of my heart in PE when I left in 2013 and I’m pleased to have the opportunity to come back.
“I cannot wait to get to work with Robbi Kempson and the team to make this a successful forthcoming season. I’ve been following the Southern Kings closely ever since I left and I’m looking forward to giving my all to the team and the supporters.”
Harlequins Head of Rugby Paul Gustard said: “Dim showed great mental strength to come back from a nasty injury last season and return to elite level rugby.
“We thank him for his contribution and wish him and his wife the very best in their next chapter.”
