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World Cup winner Andre Esterhuizen will leave Harlequins at the end of the season to return to his native South Africa for family reasons.<\/span><\/p>\n The 29-year-old centre will be released early from his contract and will play in South Africa next season.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Esterhuizen has made 82 appearances and helped the London club to the Premiership title in 2021.<\/span><\/p>\n “We understand and respect his decision,” Harlequins director of rugby Billy Millard said.<\/span><\/p>\n “Andre has been an integral member of our squad for the past four years and will be hugely missed. <\/span><\/p>\n “We’re disappointed to lose a player of his calibre. We wish him well for his career back in South Africa. <\/span><\/p>\n “We have an important run of matches to conclude the season and look forward to Andre’s impact as we strive to achieve our objectives.”<\/span><\/p>\n Esterhuizen, who<\/span> lifted the 2023 World Cup with the Springboks<\/span><\/a>, has scored 24 tries in four seasons with Quins, who <\/span>he joined in 2020 from Super Rugby’s Sharks<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n