Harlequins target England star to replace Springbok, Bath line up Premiership star

Harlequins are reportedly preparing for Springboks centre Andre Esterhuizen’s potential departure, while Bath are lining up a swoop for a rising Premiership star.

In recent weeks, Esterhuizen has been linked with a move away from the London club, and Harlequins are making contingency plans if he does depart.

Ollie Lawrence lined up to replace Andre Esterhuizen

Top 14 giants Toulon were reportedly keen to sign the World Cup-winning centre but were rejected by the Bok star, with more recent reports linking the midfielder with a return to the Durban-based Sharks.

The Sharks would need to pay Quins £500,000 (about R12 million) to buy Esterhuizen out of the final year of his contract, which expires in June 2026.

Harlequins look set to put that cashflow to good use with Rugby Pass reporting that England centre Ollie Lawrence is one of their top targets, although they would also need to buy him out of the final year of his contract at Bath.

Lawrence has been a standout for Bath under Johann van Graan’s guidance and could move to the London club if Esterhuizen returns to South Africa.

Quins do have some young stars in their ranks to fill Esterhuizen’s void, with Lennox Anyanwu impressing when given the opportunity, while Will Joseph and Oscar Beard are other midfield options, although they are primarily outside centres. While Lawrence has featured in the outside centre berth for Bath and England, he has the kind of frame and style of play suitable for the number 12 jumper.

Springbok makes mid-season switch to Japan to cover for Faf de Klerk and Jesse Kriel

Bath target rising back-rower

Meanwhile, Van Graan is reportedly looking to improve his back-row stocks going forward and is keen to add Newcastle Falcons’ highly-rated flanker Guy Pepper to his ranks.

According to the Telegraph, Bath have emerged as favourites to secure Pepper’s signature, but they will face competition from rivals Bristol Bears.

The report adds that Pepper’s potential signing would not impact Sam Underhill’s future at the club despite the openside flanker’s current contract expiring at the end of the season.

Pepper has enjoyed a breakout season at Newcastle despite the club’s struggles in the Premiership. The 20-year-old has made 154 tackles and 83 carries in his 10 appearances for the side in the league and has been tipped to feature for England ‘A’ against Portugal.

Bath have been busy in recent weeks with several contract extensions confirmed, including that of Miles Reid, Louis Schreuder and Sam Harris.

Harlequins star heads to Benetton

On Monday, Harlequins confirmed that Louis Lynagh will join Benetton Rugby next season as the winger aims to represent Italy.

The son of Wallabies great Michael Lynagh, Louis was born in Treviso and also qualifies to represent England and Australia.

He has signed a two-year deal with the option to extend the agreement until 2027.

“It’s been a difficult decision to leave my boyhood club but I feel the time is right for a new challenge in Italy,” Lynagh said.

“I have lived in England since I was four years old, but Italy and Treviso have always been in my heart.

“My father played a fundamental role not only in my rugby career, but also in my life. He always wanted the best for me and always agreed with every decision I made.

“He told me that playing in Treviso will be the best for me and my style of rugby.”

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