‘Titanic’ Esterhuizen voted best in England

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Harlequins centre Andre Esterhuizen has been described as a “titanic player in the prime of his career” as he was named Premiership Player of the Month for January.

The Springbok centre, affectionately known as ‘Andre the Giant’, made an impressive impact on Premiership Rugby last month, according to BT Sport pundit Ugo Monye.

“He can do everything, quite simply. We often focus on the obvious things. Ball-carrying, brilliant. Defending, great. Work at the breakdown and work off the ball is exceptional,” said Monye.

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“He possesses all the core attributes you would want of a highly skilled and destructive centre. He’s got a brilliant left boot. He kicked for goal earlier in the season against Wasps, so he’s got that in his locker, and he’s got a passing range that most centres would be envious of. Harlequins are really fortunate to have him in their team and to have him sign for another few years.

“Although these are hotly contested every month, I think when you win three back-to-back Player of the Match awards, it’s almost a rite of passage. He’s been exceptional and also so pivotal to not only how Harlequins play but also how they’ve won their matches during that period.

“Whether it’s last-gasp tries against last year’s beaten finalists, Exeter Chiefs, a few weeks ago to the performance he put in in the Big Game, he’s just been outstanding.”

Ruan Ackermann was second in this month’s poll with Wasps back rower Brad Shields third.

Esterhuizen was voted for by a panel of media professionals based on his performances in January 2022, alongside a public poll on the Premiership Rugby app, which drew more than 500 votes.


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Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK/Gallagher

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