A South African is set to become the latest big name to depart Harlequins when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Captain Stephan Lewies’ impending exit comes at a turbulent time for Quins, who are enduring a deep slump in form and face an unbeaten Stormers outfit at The Stoop this weekend in the Investec Champions Cup.
The 34-year-old Pretoria-born lock has made 88 appearances since joining the Quins seven years ago and rising to the captaincy.
Discussions are under way regarding a potential three-year deal that would see him return to Durban.
Educated at Hoërskool Eldoraigne, Lewies began his professional career with the Sharks before enjoying a stint at the Lions, earning a solitary Springbok cap in 2014 against Scotland in Port Elizabeth.
Injuries have blighted the latter stages of his career, and Lewies previously revealed that he had contemplated retirement before signing a short-term extension in December 2024. At the time, he spoke candidly about his struggles but also his gratitude for the chance to continue contributing on and off the field.
A return to Durban would see Lewies add valuable experience and leadership, providing depth behind Eben Etzebeth and possibly filling the void left by Marvin Orie, whose current deal runs only until June.
Lewies’ departure would further thin the ranks of experience at Harlequins, who have already seen the likes of Andre Esterhuizen, Will Collier, Irne Herbst and Wilco Louw move on in recent seasons.
MORE: Stormers take on Harlequins team in crisis
All this unfolds as Quins prepare to host the Stormers amid what club executives have openly described as a crisis. Harlequins are winless in seven of their nine Premiership matches and were thrashed 66-21 by the Northampton Saints last weekend, prompting a rare joint statement from CEO Laurie Dalrymple and chairman David Morgan.
By contrast, John Dobson’s Stormers arrive in London riding a wave of confidence, unbeaten in both the Vodacom URC and Champions Cup.
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Photo: Dan Mullan/Getty Images
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