New deal: Stephen Lewies puts pen to paper

NEWS: Harlequins announced that club captain Stephan Lewies has signed a new long-term contract.

Lewies, who was handed the captain’s armband last November ahead of the 2020/21 campaign, has signed a contract extension to remain at The Stoop.

The South African international lock made an instant impact at Quins after arriving in 2019 from Super Rugby side the Lions, whilst on loan to the Johannesburg-based side from the Sharks in Durban.

Such was Lewies’ impact that the 29-year-old was named to succeed former Harlequin Chris Robshaw as skipper after just his first season in South West London, and has fast become an integral part of a winning Harlequins side.

Able to play at blindside flank as well as his usual position in the second row, Lewies has made 28 appearances for the club to date, having made his Quins debut against London Irish in September 2019.

A South African international, the Springbok tight five forward has played once for South Africa, coming on as a replacement as the hosts beat Scotland 55-6 in Port Elizabeth.

Commenting, Lewies said: "I’m very happy to extend my time here and excited for the future at Quins. I think we’re building something special and I’m excited to be part of that.

"I think we have quite a diverse group. I haven’t worked with a group like this before. That in itself has helped me grow as a person and as a player.

"We have a great leadership group here with some experienced guys like Joe Marler, Danny Care, Mike Brown and Scott Baldwin helping guide us. With the younger leaders like Alex Dombrandt, James Chisholm and Marcus Smith stepping up, I think we’re in a good spot leadership-wise.

"You join a club to serve a club, and you wear that jersey to leave it in a better place. I aim to do that; to leave this jersey in a better place. Part of that is getting silverware and results for the Club, and that is one of my goals."

General Manager Billy Millard said: "We’re thrilled to have big Steph re-sign at the club. Stephan made an instant impact after arriving at the club in 2019 and instantly became a key player for us.

"He’s done a great job in his first season as our club captain to date and it’s been fantastic to see him lead by example in training and matches.

"It’s great to have him re-commit his future to Harlequins."