Esterhuizen: Time in UK and Sharks captaincy have shaped the leader I am
Esterhuizen said having so many people in the Springbok leadership group made it 'much easier' captaining the national side than the Sharks.
André Esterhuizen, South Africa's 68th Test captain, reflected on the influence of his time in England and leadership at the Sharks during an online press conference. The Springbok centre/flanker was appointed captain after Siya Kolisi, Jesse Kriel, and Pieter-Steph du Toit were rested for an upcoming Test against the Wallabies.
Esterhuizen, who played for Harlequins from 2020 to 2024, won multiple titles during his stint abroad, including the Gallagher Premiership and several player of the year awards. Returning to the Sharks, Esterhuizen took on a leadership role, ultimately becoming the team captain in mid-season, following the departure of JP Pietersen as coach.
Despite the Sharks' struggles in the United Rugby Championship and European competitions, Esterhuizen credited the experience gained from playing in different conditions and with various teammates in the UK as well as the lessons learned from Kolisi's captaincy as instrumental in shaping him into the leader he is today. Esterhuizen emphasized that both he and his colleagues, including Eben Etzebeth and Handré Pollard, would continue to work together as a unified team.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
