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South Africa leaves door open for highly rated Josh Neill
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One-cap Bok Stephan Lewies set to return to South Africa
By Jon Newcombe
After sevens seasons playing with Harlequins in the Gallagher PREM, Stephen Lewies has decided to move back to South Africa and join The Sharks at the end of the current season.
Lewies joined Harlequins ahead of the 2019/20 campaign from South Africa and has since made 85 appearances in all competitions for the club.
The imposing lock, who turns 34 later this month, led Harlequins to their second PREM Rugby title in 2021, having succeeded Chris Robshaw in the role.
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Lewies stepped away from his captaincy role ahead of the 2024/25 season, passing the baton to Alex Dombrandt, and this season he has been limited to six appearances in all competitions.
“I reflect on my seven years at the club with a huge amount of gratitude. I arrived at the club in 2019 with a few suitcases and a girlfriend, I’m leaving the club with a lot of memories, new friends, a wife and baby,” said Lewies, who won his only Springbok cap as a replacement against Scotland in 2014.
“My time at Quins has been unbelievable. It’s hard to put it into words really and say thank you enough, but gratitude is the word that comes to mind and a lot of pride as well.
“The aim for this season is to finish on a high. If there is one club that has proven they can turn it around, it is Harlequins and I believe we can do that. It started against the Stormers at the weekend, and we’ve got another big game against La Rochelle on Sunday.
“On a personal level, my slogan for the rest of the season is to ‘empty the tank’ and give everything I have to the Quins jersey, whether that’s on or off the pitch. I just want to give my all and make everyone proud.
Senior coach Jason Gilmore added: “We wish Steph, Ash and their family all the best as they return back home to South Africa. Steph has been central to the Club both as a player and Captain, including the run to the 2020/21 title.
“His physical presence, leadership and demanding of standards are traits that he installs every day into the club and will continue for the rest of the season.
“We will miss having Steph’s presence at the club, but we know he has left a positive legacy for the next wave of Harlequins to come through.”
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