Springbok centre Andre Esterhuizen had his sensational form for Harlequins rewarded with the RPA Players’ Player of the Year award at the Premiership awards evening on Wednesday.

Esterhuizen received the highest number of votes from his fellow professionals, having enjoyed another excellent season during Harlequins’ bid to defend the Premiership title.

“It is an incredible honour to win this award and for it to be voted by all the players and teams that I’ve played with and against makes it even more special,” said Esterhuizen, who has helped the London side secure a playoff place.

In 23 appearances this season, Esterhuizen has scored 48 points –including eight tries, two penalties and a conversion – and assisted six tries.

Having earned the last of his eight Test caps in 2019 against Argentina, the 28-year-old met with Jacques Nienaber as part of the Springbok coach’s alignment camps for overseas-based players.

It is understood that if the Boks succeed in winning the first two Tests against Wales in SA in July, the likes of Esterhuizen will feature in the final match in Cape Town on 16 July.

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