Andre Esterhuizen: Q&A ahead of Harlequins v Bath Rugby showdown

Big Summer Kick-Off returns to Twickenham on Saturday, 22 April and will see Harlequins take on Bath Rugby is what could be a crucial clash in the penultimate round of the Gallagher Premiership.

ALSO READ | Next Springbok coach: Could Jake White throw his hat in the ring?

Not only will there be great action on the pitch, but the event will also see global indie-rock band Kaiser Chiefs perform on the pitch before the match, and the West Fan Village at Twickenham has a full programme of live and entertainment all afternoon.

DID YOU KNOW? | Who has qualified for the Rugby World Cup 2023?

Hear from Harlequins and Springbok centre Andre Esterhuizen about the event, the Gallagher Premiership and life at Harlequins.

So Harlequins are returning to Twickenham Stadium this week for Big Summer Kick-Off, how excited are you to play at the Home of English Rugby once again?

Yeah, very excited for Big Summer Kick-Off. It’s always a great game for us to be able to play there and in front of so many fans. And we love the two matches we play there each year, an the aim is always to make it a third, so hopefully we can get through to the Final. It’s always a great experience there, great vibe and hopefully we’ll get the weather for it too with everyone just having a good time.

MUST READ | UPDATE: Time running out for Frans Steyn’s World Cup hopes

How do you find the pre-match entertainment and are you looking forward to Kaiser Chiefs?

The entertainment on the day really helps to create a good vibe and gets fans in a great mood before the match, and getting such big bands there on the pitch like Kaiser Chiefs is always fun during our warm-up, along with all the fireworks and everything.

ALSO READ | Varsity Cup: Every tournament winner to date

How are you enjoying the Gallagher Premiership and how does it differ to club rugby back in South Africa?

This season has been interesting; it’s a great competition and the table is so close. It just shows that anyone can beat anyone on any given day, so for me it’s one of the toughest competitions that I’ve played in. It’s a lot different to Super Rugby that I’ve played, which doesn’t really exist now, and I really love playing here and am enjoying it… except for the weather, but I think, I hope, it’s meant to get warmer soon, just in time for Twickenham!

ALSO READ | Springboks: EVERY head coach since readmission in 1992

Last year, Harlequins played Gloucester, this year you’re playing Bath. Is there anyone in the Bath squad in particular that you’re looking to play against?

I have a former team-mate, and room-mate actually, Louis Schreuder. We called him Fluey because he always had the flu and didn’t want to leave the room, so yeah, looking forward to seeing him again and hopefully playing against him.

DID YOU KNOW? | Who has qualified for the Rugby World Cup 2023?

Harlequins are building a good South African group in the squad, it might be nice playing with former team-mates from other clubs and friends from home?

Yeah it’s great. Steph (Lewies, Harlequins club captain) is one of my best mates, so it’s great to still be playing together, and just having great people from your country – Wilco, Tyrone, Irne, and everyone around us – makes things easier and loads of fun. It helped me to settle quickly into the group and I’m really enjoying my time here.

IN CLOSING | Have your say: Who should be the next Springbok coach?

Don’t miss out on see international rugby stars in action, enjoy the fan village filled with entertainment, a pre-match set on the pitch from global indie-rock legends, Kaiser Chiefs, and back by popular demand, Massaoke will be taking over the West Fan Village after the match. Tickets on sale now from £35 Adult, £25 U18’s. Tickets available to buy on the day. Find out more at quins.co.uk.