Harlequins have announced that club captain and second-row Stephan Lewies has re-signed with the Premiership outfit ahead of the 2023/24 season.
Lewies joined Harlequins in 2019 from South African side the Sharks, where he made 80 appearances after making his debut in 2013 at 21 years of age.
In just his second season in England, the Springbok was named club captain and went on to lead Harlequins to their first Premiership title since 2012.
Faces former side on Saturday
Lewies has amassed over 50 appearances for the Twickenham Stoop outfit thus far, playing a crucial role both on and off the pitch for the London club.
The second-row returned to action last weekend against Racing 92 and is set to take on former employers the Sharks in the Champions Cup this Saturday.
“I’m delighted to extend my time at Harlequins. This is a great team and I consider myself fortunate to be able to be captain of such a historic club,” said Lewies.
“We have done some special things together as a group and it continues to be a hugely enjoyable place to be.
“It is great to be back playing with such a talented group of players and I’m looking forward to helping the team push for further honours.
“This is a group with a clear focus of what matters to us and what our values are. I’m delighted to re-sign with this group and can’t wait to see how far we can go together.”
Harlequins head coach Tabai Matson said: “As one of the leading voices in this playing group and a great leader we’re delighted to have Steph extend his time at Quins.
“He’s a top-class operator on the field and drives standards off the pitch too. His leadership is second to none and his passion for the club and its supporters is at the heart of everything he does.
“Winning the Premiership in his first season as captain speaks volumes of his influence on this group and we’re excited to see where his leadership can take us next.”
Leicester announce double signing
Elsewhere, Premiership champions Leicester Tigers have confirmed the addition of former Wasps prop Tom West for the rest of the current campaign.
West was selected as part of the England U20s squad in 2015 and 2016 before being called into the senior national squad in 2021.
“Tom is an experienced Premiership player who we are delighted to have on board for the remainder of this season,” said interim head coach Richard Wigglesworth.
“He adds some much-needed depth in the front-row, where we have injuries and the potential for players away during the Six Nations, as well as helping continue healthy competition for places.
“As well as what he can offer us up front, on the field, Tom is a great young man who will be a positive addition to the club in many more ways.”
West added: “I am excited to be here. Leicester Tigers were the first club I came and watched as a young boy, being from Norfolk, and so it’s very exciting to be a part of it now.”
“I am really looking forward to get going, especially after what’s happened this season, and playing top-level rugby at a great club and seeing what I can bring to the squad.
“It’s such a great group and I know it will be a challenge, which I want, and am looking forward to being pushed and improving alongside great players.
“I think most of all, it will be nice to not be an away player at Mattioli Woods Welford Road!”
Leicester have also confirmed the addition of South African youngster, Cameron Miell, a versatile forward who joins the senior academy from Paul Roos Gimnasium in Stellenbosch where he was a member of the school’s first team for the past two seasons.
Speaking about joining Tigers, Miell said: “I am delighted to be awarded this fantastic opportunity with Leicester Tigers and cannot wait to test myself and learn in such a world-class environment.”
On Miell, Wigglesworth added: “Cameron is a young man with a physical presence on the field and a lot of potential in the game.”
“In a very short space of time, he has shown a real work ethic and desire to improve. We’re excited to see what comes of Cameron and working with him to develop his game at Leicester Tigers.”
READ MORE: Six Nations: A XV of star-studded players who have not been selected
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