Stephan Lewies will return to Durban with a desire to put right how his first chapter with the Sharks ended.
The 33-year-old lock told Rapport he regretted the manner of his departure from his home union eight years ago, but now has the chance to make happier memories after agreeing to rejoin the Sharks from Harlequins at the end of the season.
“I didn’t leave the Sharks on the best terms in 2018. I had a falling out with some of the coaches and it wasn’t nice to leave like that.”
That exit saw Lewies spend a brief spell with the Lions before heading to England, where he built an outstanding career with Harlequins. Now, with his return confirmed, the Durban-born forward is eager to give back to the union that launched his professional journey.
“It’s nice to go back now and say thank you, and to empty my tank there,” he said. “I want to add value and finish on a high note. I want to say thank you through my actions — how I train, how I help the young guys and how I play.”
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Lewies represented the Sharks between 2012 and 2018 and earned his sole Springbok cap during that period, featuring against Scotland in 2014. His move to Harlequins proved career-defining, as he went on to make more than 90 appearances and captain the club to their historic 2020-21 Premiership title.
“That season was incredibly special,” Lewies said. “The way we came back in so many games made it unforgettable.”
A return to South Africa was always part of the plan, he said, and the move back was facilitated by former Harlequins teammate and current Sharks captain Andre Esterhuizen.
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