Stephan Lewies back in familiar spot with Alex Dombrandt out

By Dan Robertshaw

Stephan Lewies has enjoyed his time away from the Harlequins captaincy but now finds himself donning the armband once more.

England No.8 Alex Dombrandt officially took over as skipper at the start of the season but broke his hand in Quins’ opener against Sale Sharks, meaning captaincy was duly handed back to Lewies after just one game.

The South African insists that he is only standing in and praises Dombrandt’s ongoing impact as a leader.

He told The Rugby Paper: “Dommers has done an excellent job as captain. He’s done that job most of the time in the last few years, to be honest!

“He’s now just taking the reigns off-field, taking on a bit more and dealing with the coaches a bit more. He’s brilliant and is well-respected within the group.”

After his first season in 2019, Lewies captained Harlequins for the next four years and led them to the 2020/21 Premiership title.

However, his own tenure was strewn with injuries, and he has appreciated being able to step away from the role, feeling that less pressure has been beneficial for his personal development.

He said: “Yeah, that armband is a little bit cursed because I’ve got it back so soon!

“For me, it was actually enjoyable just taking a step back, trying to focus on my rugby and getting back to my best.

“But hopefully Alex will be back soon, and he can step up and lead us from the front again.”

Dombrandt’s Injury

Dombrandt is expected to return within the next couple of weeks, but he is not Harlequins’ only injury headache.

With the likes of Joe Marler, Luke Northmore, Cassius Cleaves, Cadan Murley and Tyrone Green all unfit to play, the responsibility kickstarting a so far disappointing campaign for Quins will fall to younger players.

Lewies, however, commends the strength in depth of his team and stresses the positive impact this has.

He said: “The great thing this season is the squad – I think it’s the best we’ve had since I’ve been at the club. Yes, we lost a few superstars during the off season, but the way the youngsters have stepped up kind of gives everyone an opportunity to play and keeps everyone in the squad happy.

“So yes, there’s the negative side of people getting injured, but the way people have been stepping up every time they’ve got an opportunity, it’s almost been a positive in a way.”

With so many first-choice ball players missing, a man Quins will look to for some attacking impetus will be Marcus Smith. Filling in for Leigh Halfpenny in the 15 jersey, Smith bagged two tries against Northampton and was at the epicentre of each of their attacking opportunities.

Lewies recognises the key role that Smith plays and is certain that he will continue to make an impact for years to come.

He said: “Marcus is one of the best players in the world, whether he plays at ten or 15 – it doesn’t matter.

“He’s the ultimate competitor. He brings people with him wherever he goes in terms of his professionalism. I’m very excited for his future career – he’s already done so much in the Quins jersey, but I think there’s a lot more for him to achieve.”