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{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox rugby union biography
{{Infobox rugby union biography
| name = André Esterhuizen
| name = André Esterhuizen
| image = Andre Esterhuizen 2018b.jpg
| image = Andre Esterhuizen 2018b.jpg
| caption = Esterhuizen (left) playing in 2018

| fullname = Adriaan Pieter Esterhuizen
| fullname = Adriaan Pieter Esterhuizen
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1994|03|30|df=y}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1994|03|30|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Potchefstroom]], [[South Africa]]
| birth_place = [[Potchefstroom]], [[South Africa]]
| height = {{height|m=1.94}}
| height = {{height|m=1.93}}
| weight = {{convert|115|kg|stlb lb|0|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|113|kg|stlb lb|0|abbr=on}}
| nickname =
| nickname =
| occupation =
| occupation =
| school = [[Klerksdorp High]], [[Klerksdorp]]
| school = Hoërskool Klerksdorp, [[Klerksdorp]]
| university =
| university =
| relatives =
| relatives =
| position = [[Centre (rugby union)|Centre]] / [[Full-back (rugby union)|Full-back]]
| position = [[Centre (rugby union)|Centre]]
| currentclub = [[Sharks (rugby union)|Sharks]]
| currentclub = [[Harlequin F.C.|Harlequins]]
| youthyears1 = 2007–2011
| youthyears1 = 2007–2011
| youthclubs1 = {{Rut Leopards}}
| youthclubs1 = {{Rut|Leopards}}
| youthyears2 = 2013–2015
| youthyears2 = 2013–2015
| youthclubs2 = {{Rut Sharks (Currie Cup)}}
| youthclubs2 = {{Rut|Sharks (Currie Cup)}}
| years1 = 2013–2014
| years1 = 2013–2014
| clubs1 = {{Rut Sharks XV}}
| clubs1 = {{Rut|Sharks XV}}
| apps1 = 12
| apps1 = 12
| points1 = 25
| points1 = 25
| years2 = 2014–present
| years2 = 2014–2020
| clubs2 = {{Rut Sharks (Currie Cup)|CC=y}}
| clubs2 = {{Rut|Sharks (Currie Cup)|CC=y}}
| apps2 = 26
| apps2 = 26
| points2 = 55
| points2 = 55
| years3 = 2014–2020
| years3 = 2014–2020
| clubs3 = {{Rut Sharks}}
| clubs3 = {{Rut|Sharks}}
| apps3 = 72
| apps3 = 81
| points3 = 45
| points3 = 45
| years4 = 2017–2020
| years4 = 2017–2020
Line 35: Line 36:
| apps4 = 22
| apps4 = 22
| points4 = 67
| points4 = 67
| years5 = 2020–
| years5 = 2020–2024
| clubs5 = [[Harlequin F.C.|Harlequins]]
| clubs5 = [[Harlequin F.C.|Harlequins]]
| apps5 = 2
| apps5 = 87
| points5 =
| points5 = 143
| years6 = 2024–
| clubs6 = [[Sharks (rugby union)|Sharks ]]
| apps6 = 5
| points6 = 15
| repyears1 = 2014
| repyears1 = 2014
| repteam1 = [[South Africa national under-20 rugby union team|South Africa Under-20]]
| repteam1 = [[South Africa national under-20 rugby union team|South Africa Under-20]]
Line 45: Line 50:
| repyears2 = 2018–present
| repyears2 = 2018–present
| repteam2 = {{nrut|South Africa}}
| repteam2 = {{nrut|South Africa}}
| repcaps2 = 8
| repcaps2 = 19
| reppoints2 = 0
| reppoints2 = 0
| clubupdate = 3 September 2019
| clubupdate = 26 October 2024
| repupdate = 21 August 2019
| repupdate = 10 November 2024
}}
}}


'''Adriaan Pieter 'André' Esterhuizen''' (born 30 March 1994 in [[Klerksdorp]]) is a South African [[rugby union]] player for the [[South Africa national rugby union team|South Africa national team]] and [[Harlequin F.C.|Harlequins]] in the [[English Premiership (Rugby union)|English Premiership]].<ref name="SARU Player Profile André Esterhuizen">{{SA Rugby Player Profile | id=43245 | name=André Esterhuizen | date=29 May 2016}}</ref> His regular position is centre or full-back.
'''Adriaan Pieter 'André' Esterhuizen''' (born 30 March 1994 in [[Klerksdorp]]) is a South African professional [[rugby union]] player for the Hollywoodbets Sharks in the United Rugby Championship and [[South Africa national rugby union team|South Africa national team]].<ref name="SARU Player Profile André Esterhuizen">{{SA Rugby Player Profile | id=43245 | name=André Esterhuizen | date=29 May 2016}}</ref> His regular position is centre.

==Career==


==Rugby player career==
===Youth===
===Youth===


Esterhuizen represented his local side {{Rut Leopards}} at the Under-13 Craven Week competition in 2007, at the Under-16 Grant Khomo Week in 2010 and at the Under-18 [[Craven Week]] in 2011.
Esterhuizen represented his local side {{Rut|Leopards}} at the Under-13 Craven Week competition in 2007, at the Under-16 Grant Khomo Week in 2010 and at the Under-18 [[Craven Week]] in 2011.


In 2013, he moved to [[Durban]] to join the {{Rut Sharks (Currie Cup)}}. He started twelve of the {{Rut Sharks U21}} side's matches during the [[2013 Under-21 Provincial Championship]] competition, finishing as the joint top try scorer in Division A of that competition with 9 tries.<ref name="SA Rugby Try Scorers – 2013 Absa Under 21 Competition">{{SA Rugby Try Scorers | id=1434 | comp=2013 Absa Under 21 Competition | date=5 May 2016}}</ref>
In 2013, he moved to [[Durban]] to join the {{Rut|Sharks (Currie Cup)}}. He started twelve of the {{Rut|Sharks U21}} side's matches during the [[2013 Under-21 Provincial Championship]] competition, finishing as the joint top try scorer in Division A of that competition with 9 tries.<ref name="SA Rugby Try Scorers – 2013 Absa Under 21 Competition">{{SA Rugby Try Scorers | id=1434 | comp=2013 Absa Under 21 Competition | date=5 May 2016}}</ref>


He was included in the [[South Africa national under-20 rugby union team|South Africa Under-20]] side for the [[2014 IRB Junior World Championship]].<ref name="Junior Springboks named for JWC 2014">{{SA Rugby Article | id=2411934 | leagueid=2034 | title=Junior Springboks named for JWC 2014 | date=22 April 2014 | accessdate=6 June 2016 | url=http://www.sarugby.co.za/article.aspx?id=2411934&fullview=true | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160607185606/http://www.sarugby.co.za/article.aspx?id=2411934&fullview=true | url-status=dead | archivedate=7 June 2016}}</ref>
He was included in the [[South Africa national under-20 rugby union team|South Africa Under-20]] side for the [[2014 IRB Junior World Championship]].<ref name="Junior Springboks named for JWC 2014">{{SA Rugby Article | id=2411934 | leagueid=2034 | title=Junior Springboks named for JWC 2014 | date=22 April 2014 | access-date=6 June 2016 | url=http://www.sarugby.co.za/article.aspx?id=2411934&fullview=true | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160607185606/http://www.sarugby.co.za/article.aspx?id=2411934&fullview=true | url-status=dead | archive-date=7 June 2016}}</ref>


===Senior career===
===Club career===


====Sharks====
⚫
His first taste of first class rugby came for the {{Rut Sharks XV}} during the [[2013 Vodacom Cup]] competition. He made his debut in a 72–6 victory against the {{Rut Border Bulldogs}}, coming on as a substitute in the second half.<ref name="Sharks XV 72-6 Border Bulldogs">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=103804 | homeid=11714 | awayid=11614 | leagueid=1164 | hometeam=Sharks XV | homescore=72 | awayscore=6 | awayteam=Border Bulldogs | matchdate=8 March 2013 | date=21 June 2016}}</ref> Further substitute appearances followed that season in matches against the {{Rut Boland Cavaliers}}<ref name="Sharks XV 54-24 Regent Boland Cavaliers">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=104194 | homeid=11714 | awayid=11704 | leagueid=1164 | hometeam=Sharks XV | homescore=54 | awayscore=24 | awayteam=Regent Boland Cavaliers | matchdate=12 April 2013 | date=21 June 2016}}</ref> and {{Rut Eastern Province Kings}}.<ref name="Eastern Province Kings 27-23 Sharks XV">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=104274 | homeid=11634 | awayid=11714 | leagueid=1164 | hometeam=Eastern Province Kings | homescore=27 | awayscore=23 | awayteam=Sharks XV | matchdate=20 April 2013 | date=21 June 2016}}</ref>


⚫
His first taste of first class rugby came for the {{Rut|Sharks XV}} during the [[2013 Vodacom Cup]] competition. He made his debut in a 72–6 victory against the {{Rut|Border Bulldogs}}, coming on as a substitute in the second half.<ref name="Sharks XV 72-6 Border Bulldogs">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=103804 | homeid=11714 | awayid=11614 | leagueid=1164 | hometeam=Sharks XV | homescore=72 | awayscore=6 | awayteam=Border Bulldogs | matchdate=8 March 2013 | date=21 June 2016}}</ref> Further substitute appearances followed that season in matches against the {{Rut|Boland Cavaliers}}<ref name="Sharks XV 54-24 Regent Boland Cavaliers">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=104194 | homeid=11714 | awayid=11704 | leagueid=1164 | hometeam=Sharks XV | homescore=54 | awayscore=24 | awayteam=Regent Boland Cavaliers | matchdate=12 April 2013 | date=21 June 2016}}</ref> and {{Rut|Eastern Province Kings}}.<ref name="Eastern Province Kings 27-23 Sharks XV">{{SA Rugby Match Centre | id=104274 | homeid=11634 | awayid=11714 | leagueid=1164 | hometeam=Eastern Province Kings | homescore=27 | awayscore=23 | awayteam=Sharks XV | matchdate=20 April 2013 | date=21 June 2016}}</ref>
⚫
Esterhuizen was included in the {{Rut Sharks}} wider training squad prior to the [[2014 Super Rugby season]], scoring a try for them in their warm-up match against [[Saracens F.C.|Saracens]]<ref name="Saracens resist Sharks comeback">{{cite web|url=http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3551_9133440,00.html |title=Saracens resist Sharks comeback |publisher=Planet Rugby |date=24 January 2014 |accessdate=11 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221214459/http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0%2C25883%2C3551_9133440%2C00.html |archivedate=21 February 2014 }}</ref> and was subsequently selected in the final Super Rugby squad for 2014.<ref name="Sharks 2014 squad">{{cite press release|url=http://www.sharksrugby.co.za/index.php/component/articles/?view=article&id=2310854 |title=Sharks 2014 squad |publisher=Sharks |date=11 February 2014 |accessdate=11 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150606082653/http://www.sharksrugby.co.za/index.php/component/articles/?view=article&id=2310854 |archivedate=6 June 2015 }}</ref>

⚫
Esterhuizen was included in the {{Rut|Sharks}} wider training squad prior to the [[2014 Super Rugby season]], scoring a try for them in their warm-up match against [[Saracens F.C.|Saracens]]<ref name="Saracens resist Sharks comeback">{{cite web|url=http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3551_9133440,00.html |title=Saracens resist Sharks comeback |publisher=Planet Rugby |date=24 January 2014 |access-date=11 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221214459/http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0%2C25883%2C3551_9133440%2C00.html |archive-date=21 February 2014 }}</ref> and was subsequently selected in the final Super Rugby squad for 2014.<ref name="Sharks 2014 squad">{{cite press release|url=http://www.sharksrugby.co.za/index.php/component/articles/?view=article&id=2310854 |title=Sharks 2014 squad |publisher=Sharks |date=11 February 2014 |access-date=11 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150606082653/http://www.sharksrugby.co.za/index.php/component/articles/?view=article&id=2310854 |archive-date=6 June 2015 }}</ref>

====Harlequins====


He joined [[Premiership Rugby]] side [[Harlequin F.C.|Harlequins]] ahead of the 2020–21 season.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.planetrugby.com/springbok-centre-andre-esterhuizen-signs-for-harlequins/|work=Planet Rugby|title=Springbok centre Andre Esterhuizen signs for Harlequins|date=24 January 2020}}</ref>
He joined [[Premiership Rugby]] side [[Harlequin F.C.|Harlequins]] ahead of the 2020–21 season.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.planetrugby.com/springbok-centre-andre-esterhuizen-signs-for-harlequins/|work=Planet Rugby|title=Springbok centre Andre Esterhuizen signs for Harlequins|date=24 January 2020}}</ref>

He won his first Premiership title and started as Harlequins won the final 40–38 against [[Exeter Chiefs]] in the highest scoring Premiership final ever on 26 June 2021.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Harlequins beat Exeter to win Premiership|language=en-GB|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/57608106|access-date=2021-10-24}}</ref>

In May 2022, Esterhuizen won the Rugby Players' Association's player's player of the year. The result was determined after a poll by fellow players throughout the [[Premiership Rugby|English Premiership]]. The award came off the back of him scoring 8 tries for Harlequins throughout the season after qualifying for the playoffs in an attempt to retain the Premiership title.<ref>{{cite news |title=Andre Esterhuizen: Harlequins centre wins RPA players' player of the year award | work=BBC Sport | date=26 May 2022 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/61591211#:~:text=Harlequins'%20Andre%20Esterhuizen%20has%20been,title%20in%20June's%20play%2Doffs. |access-date=20 February 2024}}</ref>

On 2 January 2022, Esterhuizen won man of the match despite not scoring a try as Harlequins beat [[Gloucester Rugby|Gloucester]] 20-17 away.<ref>{{cite web |title=QUINS REGISTER IMPRESSIVE WIN AT GLOUCESTER |url=https://www.quins.co.uk/article/quins-register-impressive-win-at-gloucester |website=Harlequins |access-date=20 February 2024}}</ref> On 5 January 2022, Esterhuizen scored a try against in a absence of a number of key players including England internationals [[Marcus Smith (rugby union)|Marcus Smith]] and [[Danny Care]], going on to win man of the match against [[Newcastle Falcons]] as Harlequins won 24-3 away.<ref>{{cite web |title=MATCH REPORT: HARLEQUINS DEFEAT NEWCASTLE 3-24 |url=https://www.quins.co.uk/article/match-report-harlequins-defeat-newcastle-3-24#:~:text=Player%20of%20the%20Match%20Andre,try%20in%20the%2046th%20minute. |website=Harlequins |access-date=20 February 2024}}</ref> On 8 January 2022, Esterhuizen scored a last minute try and completed the game winning turnover to beat Exeter Chiefs. He was awarded his third consecutive man of the match in as many games for his performance.<ref>{{cite web |title=ESTERHUIZEN AND SMITH COMBINE FOR DRAMATIC WIN |url=https://www.quins.co.uk/article/esterhuizen-and-smith-combine-for-dramatic-win#:~:text=Marcus%20Smith%20converted%20Andre%20Esterhuizen's,within%20the%20first%20five%20minutes. |website=Harlequins |access-date=20 February 2024}}</ref>

At the end of the [[2021–22 Premiership Rugby|2021–22]] season, Esterhuizen was voted Harlequins' players player of the year and fans player of the season.<ref>{{cite news |title=Andre Esterhuizen: South Africa World Cup winner to leave Harlequins |work=BBC Sport |date=March 2024 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/68448303 |access-date=2 March 2024}}</ref>

In April 2024, he scored a try from a cross-field kick by Marcus Smith as Harlequins won their first ever [[European Rugby Champions Cup|Champions Cup]] knockout game beating [[Glasgow Warriors]] 28-24 at home.<ref>{{cite web |title=MATCH REPORT: HARLEQUINS SECURE QUARTER-FINAL SPOT |url=https://www.quins.co.uk/article/match-report-harlequins-defeat-glasgow-28-24 |publisher=Harlequins |access-date=8 April 2024}}</ref>

====Return to the Sharks====
In March 2024 Esterhuizen announced he would be returning to South Africa for family reasons. On his time at Harlequins, he was quoted as saying ''I'm very grateful to Harlequins for providing me with the opportunity to return home to South Africa and be closer to my family...I have loved my time at Quins. The club has played a huge role in my development and career achievements.''<ref>{{cite news |title=Andre Esterhuizen: South Africa World Cup winner to leave Harlequins |work=BBC Sport |date=March 2024 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/68448303 |access-date=2 March 2024}}</ref>

His return to the Sharks was confirmed on 14 March 2024, departing the Harlequins one year prior to the end of his contract.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-14 |title=Bok 'Giant' seals Sharks return |url=https://www.sarugbymag.co.za/sharks-return-bok-giant/ |access-date=2024-06-02 |website=SA Rugby magazine |language=en-US}}</ref>

===International career===
In 2018, Esterhuizen made his debut for South Africa against [[Wales national rugby union team|Wales]] in a one off match staged in [[Washington, D.C.|Washington]]. South Africa went on to lose the game 22-20.<ref>{{cite news |title=Wales beat South Africa 22-20 in Washington DC |work=BBC Sport |date=31 May 2018 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/44312774 |access-date=17 November 2023}}</ref>

In September 2023, Esterhuizen was named as part of South Africa's squad for the [[2023 Rugby World Cup]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Springbok 2023 World cup Squad and their high school career |url=https://www.ultimaterugby.com/news/springbok-2023-world-cup-squad-and-their-high-school-career/651883 |website=Ultimate Rugby |date=September 2023 |access-date=17 November 2023}}</ref> South Africa went on to win the tournament beating [[New Zealand national rugby union team|New Zealand]] 12-11 in the [[2023 Rugby World Cup final|final]].<ref>{{cite web |title=HIGHLIGHTS NEW ZEALAND V SOUTH AFRICA |url=https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/2023/match/final-winner-semi-final-1-winner-semi-final-2 |website=Rugby World Cup 2023 |publisher=World Rugby |access-date=17 November 2023}}</ref>

== Honours ==
'''Club'''

Harlequins:
1x [[Premiership Rugby|Gallagher Premiership]] ([[2020–21 Premiership Rugby|2020-2021]])

'''Country'''

South Africa
1x [[Rugby World Cup]] ([[2023 Rugby World Cup|2023]])

==Personal life==
Esterhuizen and his wife Mabea have one daughter.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/lifestyle/celeb-news/local-celebs/springbok-andre-esterhuizen-club-baby-latest-news/ | title=New squad loading? Another Springbok is expecting a baby! | date=15 February 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.rugby-addict.com/en/article/harlequins/congratulations-to-andre-esterhuizen-and-his-wife-mabea-on-the-birth-of-their-baby-girl-annameah/604b951edee1390009253a2e | title=🎉 Congratulations to André Esterhuizen and his wife Mábea on the birth of their baby girl, Annameah | date=12 March 2021 }}</ref>


==References==
==References==
Line 75: Line 117:


==External links==
==External links==
* [https://www.sarugby.co.za/match-centre/player-detail/?playerId=5a993e33-0ef0-4a45-b78c-e747e265d13d&teamId=e976cfc2-f80b-4c1a-8472-838cd54f0fbc André Esterhuizen] at [[South Africa national rugby union team|Springboks]]
* {{SA Rugby Profile}}
<!-- dead link: * {{SA Rugby Profile}} -->
* {{sport links}}


{{South Africa rugby union squad}}
{{Harlequin F.C. squad}}
{{Harlequins squad}}{{Navboxes
{{Navboxes
|title = Squads
|title = Squads
|list1 =
|list1 =
{{2014 Sharks XV Vodacom Cup squad}}
{{South Africa 2023 Rugby World Cup squad}}
{{2013 Sharks XV Vodacom Cup squad}}
}}
}}


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[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1994 births]]
[[Category:1994 births]]
[[Category:People from Klerksdorp]]
[[Category:Rugby union players from Klerksdorp]]
[[Category:Sharks (Currie Cup) players]]
[[Category:Sharks (Currie Cup) players]]
[[Category:Sharks (rugby union) players]]
[[Category:Sharks (rugby union) players]]
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[[Category:South Africa Under-20 international rugby union players]]
[[Category:South Africa Under-20 international rugby union players]]
[[Category:South Africa international rugby union players]]
[[Category:South Africa international rugby union players]]
[[Category:Munakata Sanix Blues players]]
[[Category:Harlequin F.C. players]]
[[Category:Rugby union players from Potchefstroom]]
[[Category:2023 Rugby World Cup players]]
[[Category:South African expatriate rugby union players in England]]
[[Category:South African expatriate rugby union players in Japan]]

Latest revision as of 16:55, 7 December 2024

André Esterhuizen
Esterhuizen (left) playing in 2018
Full nameAdriaan Pieter Esterhuizen
Date of birth (1994-03-30) 30 March 1994 (age 30)
Place of birthPotchefstroom, South Africa
Height1.93 m (6 ft 4 in)
Weight113 kg (17 st 11 lb; 249 lb)
SchoolHoërskool Klerksdorp, Klerksdorp
Rugby union career
Position(s) Centre
Current team Sharks
Youth career
2007–2011 Leopards
2013–2015 Sharks
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2013–2014 Sharks XV 12 (25)
2014–2020 Sharks (Currie Cup) 26 (55)
2014–2020 Sharks 81 (45)
2017–2020 Munakata Sanix Blues 22 (67)
2020–2024 Harlequins 87 (143)
2024– Sharks 5 (15)
Correct as of 26 October 2024
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2014 South Africa Under-20 4 (10)
2018–present South Africa 19 (0)
Correct as of 10 November 2024

Adriaan Pieter 'André' Esterhuizen (born 30 March 1994 in Klerksdorp) is a South African professional rugby union player for the Hollywoodbets Sharks in the United Rugby Championship and South Africa national team.[1] His regular position is centre.

Rugby player career

[edit]

Youth

[edit]

Esterhuizen represented his local side Leopards at the Under-13 Craven Week competition in 2007, at the Under-16 Grant Khomo Week in 2010 and at the Under-18 Craven Week in 2011.

In 2013, he moved to Durban to join the Sharks. He started twelve of the Sharks U21 side's matches during the 2013 Under-21 Provincial Championship competition, finishing as the joint top try scorer in Division A of that competition with 9 tries.[2]

He was included in the South Africa Under-20 side for the 2014 IRB Junior World Championship.[3]

Club career

[edit]

Sharks

[edit]

His first taste of first class rugby came for the Sharks XV during the 2013 Vodacom Cup competition. He made his debut in a 72–6 victory against the Border Bulldogs, coming on as a substitute in the second half.[4] Further substitute appearances followed that season in matches against the Boland Cavaliers[5] and Eastern Province Kings.[6]

Esterhuizen was included in the Sharks wider training squad prior to the 2014 Super Rugby season, scoring a try for them in their warm-up match against Saracens[7] and was subsequently selected in the final Super Rugby squad for 2014.[8]

Harlequins

[edit]

He joined Premiership Rugby side Harlequins ahead of the 2020–21 season.[9]

He won his first Premiership title and started as Harlequins won the final 40–38 against Exeter Chiefs in the highest scoring Premiership final ever on 26 June 2021.[10]

In May 2022, Esterhuizen won the Rugby Players' Association's player's player of the year. The result was determined after a poll by fellow players throughout the English Premiership. The award came off the back of him scoring 8 tries for Harlequins throughout the season after qualifying for the playoffs in an attempt to retain the Premiership title.[11]

On 2 January 2022, Esterhuizen won man of the match despite not scoring a try as Harlequins beat Gloucester 20-17 away.[12] On 5 January 2022, Esterhuizen scored a try against in a absence of a number of key players including England internationals Marcus Smith and Danny Care, going on to win man of the match against Newcastle Falcons as Harlequins won 24-3 away.[13] On 8 January 2022, Esterhuizen scored a last minute try and completed the game winning turnover to beat Exeter Chiefs. He was awarded his third consecutive man of the match in as many games for his performance.[14]

At the end of the 2021–22 season, Esterhuizen was voted Harlequins' players player of the year and fans player of the season.[15]

In April 2024, he scored a try from a cross-field kick by Marcus Smith as Harlequins won their first ever Champions Cup knockout game beating Glasgow Warriors 28-24 at home.[16]

Return to the Sharks

[edit]

In March 2024 Esterhuizen announced he would be returning to South Africa for family reasons. On his time at Harlequins, he was quoted as saying I'm very grateful to Harlequins for providing me with the opportunity to return home to South Africa and be closer to my family...I have loved my time at Quins. The club has played a huge role in my development and career achievements.[17]

His return to the Sharks was confirmed on 14 March 2024, departing the Harlequins one year prior to the end of his contract.[18]

International career

[edit]

In 2018, Esterhuizen made his debut for South Africa against Wales in a one off match staged in Washington. South Africa went on to lose the game 22-20.[19]

In September 2023, Esterhuizen was named as part of South Africa's squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.[20] South Africa went on to win the tournament beating New Zealand 12-11 in the final.[21]

Honours

[edit]

Club

Harlequins: 1x Gallagher Premiership (2020-2021)

Country

South Africa 1x Rugby World Cup (2023)

Personal life

[edit]

Esterhuizen and his wife Mabea have one daughter.[22][23]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "SA Rugby Player Profile – André Esterhuizen". South African Rugby Union. Retrieved 29 May 2016.
  2. ^ "SA Rugby Try Scorers – 2013 Absa Under 21 Competition". South African Rugby Union. Retrieved 5 May 2016.
  3. ^ "Junior Springboks named for JWC 2014". South African Rugby Union. 22 April 2014. Archived from the original on 7 June 2016. Retrieved 6 June 2016.
  4. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – Sharks XV 72–6 Border Bulldogs". South African Rugby Union. 8 March 2013. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
  5. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – Sharks XV 54–24 Regent Boland Cavaliers". South African Rugby Union. 12 April 2013. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
  6. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – Eastern Province Kings 27–23 Sharks XV". South African Rugby Union. 20 April 2013. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
  7. ^ "Saracens resist Sharks comeback". Planet Rugby. 24 January 2014. Archived from the original on 21 February 2014. Retrieved 11 February 2014.
  8. ^ "Sharks 2014 squad" (Press release). Sharks. 11 February 2014. Archived from the original on 6 June 2015. Retrieved 11 February 2014.
  9. ^ "Springbok centre Andre Esterhuizen signs for Harlequins". Planet Rugby. 24 January 2020.
  10. ^ "Harlequins beat Exeter to win Premiership". BBC Sport. Retrieved 24 October 2021.
  11. ^ "Andre Esterhuizen: Harlequins centre wins RPA players' player of the year award". BBC Sport. 26 May 2022. Retrieved 20 February 2024.
  12. ^ "QUINS REGISTER IMPRESSIVE WIN AT GLOUCESTER". Harlequins. Retrieved 20 February 2024.
  13. ^ "MATCH REPORT: HARLEQUINS DEFEAT NEWCASTLE 3-24". Harlequins. Retrieved 20 February 2024.
  14. ^ "ESTERHUIZEN AND SMITH COMBINE FOR DRAMATIC WIN". Harlequins. Retrieved 20 February 2024.
  15. ^ "Andre Esterhuizen: South Africa World Cup winner to leave Harlequins". BBC Sport. March 2024. Retrieved 2 March 2024.
  16. ^ "MATCH REPORT: HARLEQUINS SECURE QUARTER-FINAL SPOT". Harlequins. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
  17. ^ "Andre Esterhuizen: South Africa World Cup winner to leave Harlequins". BBC Sport. March 2024. Retrieved 2 March 2024.
  18. ^ "Bok 'Giant' seals Sharks return". SA Rugby magazine. 14 March 2024. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
  19. ^ "Wales beat South Africa 22-20 in Washington DC". BBC Sport. 31 May 2018. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
  20. ^ "Springbok 2023 World cup Squad and their high school career". Ultimate Rugby. September 2023. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
  21. ^ "HIGHLIGHTS NEW ZEALAND V SOUTH AFRICA". Rugby World Cup 2023. World Rugby. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
  22. ^ "New squad loading? Another Springbok is expecting a baby!". 15 February 2024.
  23. ^ "🎉 Congratulations to André Esterhuizen and his wife Mábea on the birth of their baby girl, Annameah". 12 March 2021.
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